The UK’s Largest Benin Bronzes Repatriation

Both institutions announced that they were responding to a formal claim by Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) headed by Abba Isa Tijani. The NCMM had sent these claims on 07 January 2022, asking for all artefacts known or presumed to be taken during the 1897 Benin Expedition to be returned to Nigeria. While both institutions have responded and agreed to return 213 Benin Bronzes, The Art Newspaper has reported that the final decision will be made by the UK Charity Commission. If the charity organization approves, this restitution will become the largest the UK has ever made to Nigeria or any African country.