Switzerland Returns 18 Looted Benin Artefacts After 125 Years

Switzerland has returned 18 looted Benin artefacts to Nigeria after 125 years, a significant event celebrated by Oba Ewuare II, who received the artefacts at the Benin Palace. He described the items as priceless cultural objects that symbolize the spiritual identity of the Edo people.

The artefacts were taken during the 1897 British punitive expedition against the Benin Kingdom. Oba Ewuare II expressed gratitude to the Swiss government and acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Mondai Okpebholo in facilitating the restitution.

He also urged the German government to fulfill a 2022 agreement to return 1,000 Benin artworks. The National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) Director General, Mr.

Olugbil Hollowai, praised the transparency and cooperation of Swiss authorities throughout the restitution process. The return of these artefacts is seen as a milestone in the quest to restore Benin's cultural heritage.