Stolen No More: Netherlands to Return 100+ Benin Bronzes to Nigeria

For decades, the Benin Bronzes—priceless relics of our heritage—sat in glass cases in European museums, thousands of miles from home. Now, over 100 of these looted treasures are finally coming back to Nigeria.

The Dutch government has announced that it will return 119 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, marking one of the most significant repatriations of stolen African artefacts to date. These sacred and historic pieces, taken by British forces during the violent invasion of Benin City in 1897, ended up scattered across museums and private collections worldwide

For Nigerians—whether you grew up hearing about the Benin Bronzes in history class or discovered their story through social media—this moment is more than just a museum transfer. It’s a long-overdue correction of historical injustice and a powerful statement about reclaiming our cultural identity.

Why Does This Matter?

These artefacts aren’t just ‘old sculptures’; they tell the story of our ancestors, their craftsmanship, and the legacy of one of Africa’s greatest kingdoms. From intricately carved ivory masks to bronze figures of Edo royalty, each piece carries spiritual, artistic, and historical weight. The fact that they were stolen during a brutal colonial raid makes their return even more significant.

As Olugbile Holloway, director-general of Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), put it, this is the “largest repatriation of Benin antiquities” to date. And it’s about time.

Setting an Example for the World

Germany set the precedent in 2022 when it returned over 20 Benin Bronzes. Now, the Netherlands is following suit. But what about the UK? The British Museum still holds over 900 Benin Bronzes and has refused to return them due to outdated laws. Protests and calls for action have been growing louder, and this latest move by the Dutch government could add more pressure.

“This return helps address a historical injustice that is still felt today,” said Dutch Minister of Culture, Eppo Bruins.

Where Will the Bronzes Go?

Nigeria is already making plans for their safe return. The Edo Museum of West African Art, designed by world-renowned British-Ghanaian architect Sir David Adjaye, is set to open in Benin City in 2026. It will house what will become the largest collection of Benin Bronzes ever assembled.

A similar museum would be great in Abuja City the capital especially to boost tourism.

For those of us in the diaspora, this is a reason to reconnect with home. Imagine traveling back to Nigeria not just for Detty December, but to visit a museum that showcases the artistic genius of our ancestors, on our own soil, under our own control.

The return of these artefacts is a victory, but the fight isn’t over. More museums need to step up and return what was stolen. And as young Nigerians—whether in Lagos, London, or Los Angeles—it’s on us to keep the conversation going.

Would you visit the new Edo Museum when it opens? And do you think the British Museum will finally return its share of the Benin Bronzes? Let’s talk. 🔥 #BringThemBack #BeninBronzes #ReclaimOurHistory