European Tourists in Benin Call for Artefact Return

A group of 11 European tourists, comprising Slovenians and Croatians, visited Benin on a Friday, where they toured Igun Street and the National Museum of Benin in Edo State. During their visit, Mate Hudovernik emphasized the importance of returning looted artefacts taken from the Benin Kingdom during the British invasion in 1897.

He noted that despite some artefacts being returned, many remain in European museums, and he encouraged others to visit Nigeria to experience its rich cultural heritage firsthand. The tourists described their experience as unforgettable and highlighted the friendliness of the Nigerian people.

Omololu Aiyeola, Chief Executive Officer of Edufunfund, organized the tour, which included visits to six cities: Abuja, Lagos, Abeokuta, Osogbo, Akure, and Benin. The article also referenced Germany's return of 1,100 items in 2022 and the ongoing pressure on European museums to return colonial-era acquisitions.