By Abiola Olawale (The New Diplomat’s Southwest Bureau)
The University of Aberdeen, Scotland is to set return a Benin City bronze sculpture which was looted by British soldiers 124 years ago.
The bronze, which depicts the Oba of Benin was part of the numerous items reportedly looted from Nigeria and Africa at large, more than a century ago.
Following the pressure mounted by the Edo State Government, University of Aberdeen finally decided to repatriate the bronze to its orgin in Benin City.
According to reports, the bronze sculpture was initially looted in 1987, when a British Military expedition attacked the present day Benin City.
However, it was auctioned and purchased by the museum and special collections department of University of Aberdeen, in 1957.
Speaking, Neil Curtis, head of museums and special collections said the bronze was acquired by British soldiers in 1897 in reprehensible circumstances.
Curtis described the looting as one of the most notorious examples of the pillaging of cultural treasures associated with 19th century European colonial expansion.
Curtis, however, assured that the bronze sculpture will be returned as soon as possible.
Reacting, Lai Mohammed, Nigerian Minister of Information and Culture, described the repatriation of the bronze sculpture as a step in the right direction.
He also urged that other holders of Nigerian antiquity should follow suit and return all the numerous sculptures which were reportedly looted away during the colonial era.
