Sweden returns 39 artefacts to Benin Kingdom

The Swedish government will return 39 pieces of Benin artefacts to the custody of the Oba of Benin, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II.

The disclosure followed Nigeria’s Gazette No. 57, Volume 110, pages A245-247, issued on March 23, 2023, which recognised the ownership of the artefacts, vesting the custody and management of repatriated Benin artefacts in the Oba of Benin.

The Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Annika Hahn-Englund, informed the Oba of Benin Palace in Benin City, Edo State, about this.

She emphasised that Sweden and Nigeria are trading partners, including infrastructure, telecommunication, energy and other businesses that supported the economies significantly.