Benin artifacts and the choice facing Robin Hood, By Azu Ishiekwene

When you find two people from the Benin kingdom talking these days, chances are that they are talking artifacts. That kingdom never ceases to amaze me with the mythical, almost perplexing rootedness of its people to the past, side by side with a modern, avantgarde spirit.Or that safety and security are no longer a concern. It’s just that the news of the possible return of artifacts stolen from the Benin kingdom over 120 years ago has somehow displaced current misery, however temporary.

The world has come a long way since, yet the vestiges of that horrific era linger on. Not only in our memories but also in the private collections and museums of private and institutional thieves who keep making money and excuses at the same time, for delaying restitution. But that’s precisely where they have been for centuries. Three years after Macron’s lip service, the plundered artifacts are still languishing in private collections and museums.

Reports also say that over 3,000 Benin bronzes stolen in the 19th century are marooned in Europe and the US. German museums are hosting nearly half of this figure. Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, on the other hand, wants the artifacts returned to the palace, from where they were stolen; while Mohammed has said the priority of the Nigerian government is to have the artifacts on Nigerian soil.Since the artifacts don’t speak or understand German, I’ve tried to establish in whose course history might deploy itself.

When countries have been involved in negotiations for the return of plundered artifacts, however, the records suggest that they’re returned directly to the country of origin, first of all.reported that eight artifacts, including a wooden ancestral figure stolen from Oron, Southern Nigeria, were being returned from the Boston Museum, the objects – including the wooden figure – were apparently returned to the Nigerian museums.

Nigeria Latest News, Nigeria Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Benin Republic files fresh charges against Sunday ‘Igboho’ | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World NewsThe Republic of Benin government has filed fresh charges against Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday ‘Igboho’.
Source: GuardianNigeria - 🏆 1. / 94 Read more »

PHOTOS: Buratai meets President of Benin RepublicNigeria’s Ambassador to Benin Republic, Tukur Buratai, has met with President Patrice Talon of of Benin Republic. Coal__City Anambrasocials I had to click the link to read about the purpose of the meeting – absolutely nothing. Is he going to fill the President with talks about the extradition of Sunday Igboho or bribe his way as usual in the matter? A failure who failed to reduce or stop terrorism he will be probed except Nigeria disintegrate soonest
Source: Daily Trust - 🏆 13. / 51 Read more »

Bricklayer rapes, kills widow in Benin | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World NewsTwenty-three year-old bricklayer, Kingsley Adebayo, from Ibillo in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, has allegedly killed a 46-year-old widow...
Source: GuardianNigeria - 🏆 1. / 94 Read more »

What Sunday Igboho told court during hearing in Benin RepublicYoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo aka Sunday Igboho, has denied claims by the Federal Government of Nigeria, that he was involved in arms trafficking
Source: DailyPostNGR - 🏆 11. / 59 Read more »

Nigerian leaders putting pressure on Benin Republic to jail Ighoho – Yoruba group allegesA Yoruba self-determination group, Yoruba Koya Liberation Movement (YKLM), has warned President Muhammadu Buhari, the Minister of Justice and Attorney Before jailing Igboho, Benin Republic should find out how many killer herdsmen and bandits has Nigeria jailed. Pitica Yoruba man cannot disappear 😂😂😂😂
Source: DailyPostNGR - 🏆 11. / 59 Read more »

How Yoruba Nation Agitator, Sunday Igboho Defended Himself In Benin Republic Court—Lawyer | Sahara ReportersWhen questioned by the judge, the lawyer said, “Igboho explained that what was said about him are false. Benin government is more civilized than the Janjaweed in Aso Rock.
Source: SaharaReporters - 🏆 9. / 63 Read more »