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Various demands for reparation have been put forth regarding the Benin Bronzes, primarily by the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture in Nigeria and representatives of the Benin Royal Palace. These requests stem from the historical harm caused by the looting and removal of the Benin Bronzes from Benin City during the British military expedition of 1897. The objects were seized as spoils of war and have since been housed in various European museums, including the British Museum.
These demands have been raised through diplomatic channels, public statements, and within the framework of the Benin Dialogue Group. The Nigerian government officially requested the return of Nigerian antiquities, including the Benin Bronzes, from the British Museum in October 2021. Additionally, representatives of the Benin Royal Palace have consistently called for the return of the Benin collections, most recently during the Benin Dialogue Group meeting hosted by the British Museum in October 2021.
Discussions regarding the repatriation of the Benin Bronzes are ongoing between the British Museum and Nigerian institutions, including the Benin Royal Palace and the Nigerian National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM). Positive relationships exist between the British Museum and these entities, and there is active engagement in dialogues concerning the Benin collections. While acknowledging the cultural significance of the objects internationally, there is also a commitment to pursuing initiatives for the potential return of the Benin Bronzes to Nigeria. This includes participation in the Benin Dialogue Group and efforts to facilitate permanent displays of Benin works of art in Benin City, as well as digital initiatives aimed at reuniting historical objects and documents related to the Benin Kingdom.