*About 16 gold-plated beaded crowns were stolen during the dastardly raid of the Palace in November 1895 – Alaafin
The Director – General, National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Mr. Olugbile Holloway, has pledged to work assiduously on the repatriation of Oyo artefacts as his agency has done for that of Benin.
He also assured of a turnaround of Oyo Museum.
Holloway gave the pledge during a courtesy visit to the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, at his Boroboro residence.
Accompanied the DG on the visit facilitated by an Oyo Patriot, Adetayo Adekunle, were the Curators of Oyo and Ibadan Museums amongst others.
Speaking at the occasion, Archbishop Emeritus, Prince Ayo Ladigbolu, gave a brief overview of the 1895 British invasion of Òyó by Captain Robert Bower (Ogun-Pepe).
He stated that stolen Oyo artifacts hold significant cultural, spiritual and historical value for the Yoruba people, serving as tangible links to their powerful past as an empire.
He said their removal, often during colonial conflicts, represents a historical injustice and a loss of identity for the originating community.
“”The artifacts are not merely art objects; they are cultural symbols essential for the preservation of heritage and identity.
“”Like the Benin Bronzes, many African artifacts are considered “living cultural heritage” with spiritual and ritual significance.
“” Their presence is crucial for traditional ceremonies, festivals (such as the Sango and Oranmiyan festivals), and the overall spiritual well-being of the community.
“”The objects provide historical context and validation for the heritage and culture of the pillaged communities. When removed, this context is lost, turning items of profound local meaning into mere museum exhibits in Western institutions.
Historical Significance””, Arch Bishop Ladigbolu pointed out.
He stressed the need for a repatriation of the artefacts looted during the raid.
Also speaking, Mr. Adekunle spoke on the need for an Infrastructural Upgrade of the Museum located at the Oyo Palace .
In his address , Oba Owoade said the Oyo Empire was a formidable political and military stronghold, renowned for its administrative sophistication and cultural influence, as its artifacts, including sculptures, regalia, and other items, document the history, political transitions, and daily life of this powerful era.
“”The removal of these artifacts, often as “plunder” or “war trophies” during 19th-century British punitive expeditions and military campaigns, is a direct result of colonial aggression. They are physical reminders of the means by which Britain established trade dominance and amassed colonies.
“” Alaafin is the traditional custodian of these traditions, serving as a bridge between the past and the future of the Yoruba people””.
Alaafin asserted that his ongoing efforts to reclaim stolen Oyo artifacts are part of a broader, global movement to redress historical injustices and restore cultural property to their places of origin.
According to him, “” their return symbolizes a step toward cultural rejuvenation and national pride. The return of these objects is seen as essential for Nigeria’s development, as valuing local cultural assets is key to economic growth through cultural tourism and the empowerment of local communities.
“” About 16 gold-plated beaded crowns were stolen during the dastardly raid of the Palace in November 1895
“”These artefacts are cultural symbols and carry spiritual and historical significance, and their return is essential for the preservation of heritage and identity””.
Reiterating his readiness to ensure artefacts taken away by the British in 1895 were returned to the kingdom, the Paramount Ruler vowed that he would make sure that the artefacts taken away by the British in 1895 are brought back with some payments.
It would be recalled that Benin artefacts were repatriated to the country and handed over to the Oba of Benin.
Oba Owoade therefore gave his royal blessings to the Visitor and charged him to deliver on all assurances given as quickly as possible.
