Prince Erediauwa commends Jesus College for return of Benin Bronze

The brother of the Oba of Benin, Prince Aghatise Erediauwa, on Wednesday commended the Jesus College for the return of a Benin Bronze Artefact to Nigeria in the United Kingdom (UK).

Prince Erediauwa had stated: “Jesus College is, indeed, challenging the erroneous arguments that stolen art cannot be returned because of the existence of different legal jurisdictions on the matter.”

Other institutions in Europe had indicated plans to return looted African treasures back to the countries of origin.

Unfortunately, the British Museum that is in possession of the world’s largest collection of Benin bronzes, is yet to indicate willingness to return the looted artefacts.

A global Movement, the Black Lives Matter movement, have been agitating for repatriation of looted artefacts from Africa during the colonial era.

The Nigerian Ambassador to the UK, Sarafa Isola, was present at the handing over of the Benin artefact to the Nigerian delegation, including Prince Aghatise Erediauwa.

Amb. Isola on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari, said, “I thank you for this wonderful initiative. The people of Nigeria are grateful.”

The Head of Jesus College, Sonita Alleyne, handing over the Benin Bronze to the Nigerian delegation to UK, said, “We are proud to be the first institution to simply act.” She described the occasion as a “really historic occasion”.

Alleyne declared: “We are delighted that it is now with its rightful owner.”

The Quai Branly Museum in Paris, earlier in the week, exhibited some Benin treasures for a final public display in readiness their return to Nigeria.

The University of Aberdeen, Scotland, is set to return another Benin bronze on Thursday.