The University of Aberdeen, Scotland has announced its intention to return to Nigeria a Benin bronze sculpture stolen over a century ago.
The university said in a statement on Thursday, March 25, 2021 that the theft of the sculpture was one of the most notorious examples of the pillaging of cultural treasures associated with 19th century European colonial expansion.
The institution agreed to a full repatriation of the bronze after months of engagement with the Federal Government, the Edo State Government, and the Royal Court of the Oba of Benin.
"It would not have been right to have retained an item of such great cultural importance that was acquired in such reprehensible circumstances," Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen, Professor George Boyne, said.
Nigeria's Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, welcome the university's action and encouraged others holding arts looted from Nigeria to do the same.
A celebratory event to mark the return of the bronze mask is being organised.
There have been calls over recent years to have African artifacts transported abroad via colonial exploitation or illegal looting returned to the continent, but success has been rare.
| Posted: at | |
Henry7880
TRENDING GISTS 
74Yr Old Woman Robs Bank At Gunpoint After Losing Her Life Savings To Online Scammers
VIDEO: “I Don’t Believe In Cohabiting Before Marriage” – BBN Star, Ifu Ennada Spills
THROWBACK: Zenith Bank’s Management Team Pay A Visit To Allegedly Apologies To Fayose - Photos+Video
See Tuition Fee Receipts Yahaya Bello Paid American School From 2025 Session Through 2031
SuperComputer Predicts EPL Title Winners After Victories For Both Arsenal And Man City