Benin bronze returned to Nigeria

Returning a stolen statue - 22nd October 2021

Jesus College at the University of Cambridge has given back a stolen sculpture. The sculpture is of a bronze cockerel, which is known as the "Okukur". It was taken by the British in 1897. They did this when they invaded Benin City. Benin City is in what is now Nigeria.

The college was given the sculpture in 1905 by a student's father. For many years, it was in the college dining hall. But now, it is going to be returned to Nigeria.

Sonita Alleyne is the master of Jesus College. She said that giving back the bronze was the "right thing to do." She explained that it was very important for Nigeria. And it was "part of their ancestral heritage."

Ms Alleyne said the Okukur will be placed in Nigeria's National Commission for Museums and Monuments.

When the British invaded Benin City, they stole around 10,000 bronze artworks. Many of these are now kept in museums and collections across the world.

Jesus College became the first organisation to decide to return a stolen Benin artwork in 2019. Nigeria is asking other organisations to do the same and return their stolen treasures.