Kingsley Ohens reporting
BENIN CITY, EDO STATE – July 1, 2026 – Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has described the ongoing restitution of the Benin Bronzes as a historic and defining moment for the Benin Kingdom, insisting that the priceless artefacts rightfully belong to the Palace of the Oba of Benin and should remain above political considerations.
Governor Okpebholo made the remarks on Wednesday while receiving a high-level delegation led by the Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Mr. Olugbile Holloway, at the Government House in Benin City. The delegation also included the Consul General of Switzerland in Lagos, Ms. Conny Camenzind; the Director of the Ethnographic Museum of the University of Zurich, Professor Dr. Alice Hertzog; Curator at the museum, Dr. Alex Malefakis; and other officials involved in the international restitution process.
The Governor commended the Swiss Government and all stakeholders whose efforts culminated in the return of the artefacts, describing the development as a significant milestone in the preservation and restoration of the cultural heritage of the Benin people.
“This is a defining moment in the history of our land,” Governor Okpebholo stated. “There is no justification for politicising what rightfully belongs to the Palace. We have a rich cultural heritage here, and I deeply believe in the values and traditions of our people. These bronzes are not merely artistic objects; they are symbolic and spiritual representations of our kingdom.”
He reaffirmed that the Benin Bronzes are integral components of the cultural identity of the Benin Kingdom and should remain under the custodianship of the traditional institution.
“There is only one Oba’s Palace in Edo State, and these artefacts belong there,” the Governor emphasized. “Regardless of where they currently reside around the world, they will eventually find their way back home to Edo State.”
Reflecting on the historical circumstances surrounding the removal of the artefacts, Governor Okpebholo noted that the global recognition of the greatness and sophistication of the Benin Empire was one of the factors that drew foreign interest to the kingdom centuries ago.
“The British expedition came here because they had heard of the greatness of the Benin Empire,” he said. “They encountered remarkable cultural treasures and took them abroad. Today, we are grateful that the Swiss Government has taken the commendable step of returning these treasures to their rightful owners.”
The Governor further expressed optimism that the gesture would strengthen international goodwill and cultural diplomacy.
“What may appear to be a small gesture today carries immense significance and will undoubtedly attract greater goodwill and blessings in the future,” he added.
Earlier in his remarks, NCMM Director-General Olugbile Holloway described Benin as the epicentre of global conversations on the restitution of cultural heritage and reiterated the Commission’s commitment to securing the return of more artefacts held in foreign institutions.
“As you are aware, Benin remains ground zero in the global movement for restitution, and the National Commission for Museums and Monuments continues to lead Nigeria’s efforts in this regard,” Holloway said.
He disclosed that the Commission was working closely with the Palace of the Oba of Benin to facilitate the return of additional artefacts from museums and collections across the world.
“We are collaborating with His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin, and the Palace to ensure that as many of these treasured artefacts as possible are returned home,” he stated.
Holloway further revealed that the delegation would proceed to the Palace of the Oba of Benin to symbolically present some of the returned artefacts for traditional blessings and ceremonial recognition, adding that all the artefacts returned by Switzerland had successfully arrived in Nigeria and were presently in Lagos.
Speaking on behalf of the Swiss Government, Consul General Conny Camenzind described the restitution exercise as a landmark achievement in diplomatic and cultural relations between Switzerland and Nigeria.
She expressed satisfaction with Switzerland’s role in facilitating the return process and praised the collaborative efforts involving the NCMM and participating museums.
According to her, the restitution initiative marks the beginning of a broader and enduring partnership between both nations, with expectations of stronger cooperation in cultural preservation and heritage management.
Among those present at the meeting were Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa; Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq.; Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa, Esq.; Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Musa Yakubu, JP; and other senior government officials.
The details of the engagement were made available by Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, as part of the administration’s continued commitment to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Edo State and the Benin Kingdom.
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