Oba Ewuare II, the Benin Monarch, officially received a stolen 18th-century artefact from the Netherlands on 21 October 2026. The repatriation process concluded in Nigeria, marking the return of the historical item to the royal palace. During the ceremony, the monarch reflected on the shared history connected to the piece. "We have a very unique link with the Portuguese," Oba Ewuare II stated. He noted the timing of the event, adding, "When I was told that the Portuguese Ambassador was around, it was like telepathy, because I had been thinking already about Portugal." The artefact remains under the care of the Benin Monarch following its transit from the Netherlands.
The return of this specific object represents a significant moment for the royal palace, as the item is finally back in its place of origin. The Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, received the stolen artefact from the Netherlands on October 21, 2026, as part of a formal handover process that brought the piece back to its rightful home.
Historical Context of Artefact
Museum de Fundatie held the 18th-century artefact within its collection in the Netherlands since 1937. Skilled craftspeople produced the object during the 18th century, long before its acquisition by the Dutch institution. The artefact had been in the Museum de Fundatie in the Netherlands since 1937, where it remained for decades until the recent decision to return it to Nigeria. The object itself is a creation from the 18th century, a period noted for the specific techniques used by the craftspeople who originally produced the item.
Beatrice Von Bormann, Executive Director of Museum de Fundatie, presented the piece to the royal palace in Nigeria. Paulo Martins Santos, the Portuguese Ambassador to Nigeria, attended the ceremony to witness the formal handover. The presentation was made by Beatrice Von Bormann, Executive Director of Museum de Fundatie, in the presence of the Portuguese Ambassador to Nigeria, Paulo Martins Santos. Their attendance showed the importance of the event for both the institution in the Netherlands and the royal palace in Nigeria.
Beatrice Von Bormann spoke during the event regarding the decision to relinquish the item. "We are returning this artefact to the Oba because this is its place of origin," she stated. "It has travelled around the world, and we are happy to return it."
The return of the 18th-century item ensures that the artefact is once again situated within the cultural environment where it was originally produced. By facilitating this transfer, Museum de Fundatie has effectively concluded the long tenure the object held within its Dutch collection. The presence of the Portuguese Ambassador to Nigeria, Paulo Martins Santos, at the ceremony further noted the international attention surrounding the return of this specific piece of history. Oba Ewuare II, the Benin Monarch, has now assumed responsibility for the item, securing it within the royal palace as the repatriation process reaches its final, successful conclusion.
