OBA AKENZUA CULTURE CENTER SET TO BECOME THE BENIN ROYAL MUSEUM

• THE OBA AKENZUA CULTURE CENTRE SET TO BECOME THE BENIN ROYAL MUSEUM.

In a historic cultural milestone, the Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre in Benin City is set to be transformed into the Benin Royal Museum, following the return of 119 looted Benin artifacts by the Netherlands to Nigeria. The official handover ceremony took place on June 22, 2025, at the National Museum, Onikan, Lagos, marking a major victory in the global campaign for repatriation of African heritage.

The announcement was made by Princess Mrs. Ikhuoyemwen Ewuare Amiuwu, the first daughter of the Oba of Benin, who represented the Benin Royal Palace at the event. She revealed that the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has officially handed over the Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre back to the Benin Royal Palace, which will now oversee its conversion into a world-class museum to house and showcase the returned treasures and other artifacts from the historic Benin Kingdom.

“The Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre, which once reflected the artistic and cultural vibrancy of the Benin Kingdom, has suffered neglect over the years. But now, it will rise again as the Benin Royal Museum,” the Princess declared.

She commended former President Muhammadu Buhari for his unwavering support in ensuring the repatriated artifacts were rightfully returned to the custody of the Oba of Benin, despite resistance from some parties. She also extended gratitude to the Board of Trustees of the Benin Royal Museum and the Director General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Mr. Holloway Olugbile, for affirming that the ownership of the artifacts rests with the Oba of Benin.

The return of the artifacts by the Netherlands is part of ongoing global efforts to correct historical injustices related to colonial-era looting. The items, originally taken during the 1897 British punitive expedition, are regarded as sacred and culturally invaluable by the Benin people.

The transformation of the cultural centre into a royal museum is expected to not only preserve Benin heritage but also boost cultural tourism and educational research in Nigeria and beyond.