DG National Museums visits Alaafin, pledges repatriation of stolen Oyo artefacts

By Adejayan Gbenga –

The Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Mr. Olugbile Holloway, has pledged a firm commitment to securing the repatriation of Oyo artefacts looted during the British invasion of 1895. He also promised a comprehensive revitalisation of the Oyo Museum to strengthen preservation and public access.

Holloway made the pledge during a courtesy visit to the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, at his Boroboro residence. According to a statement issued by the monarch’s spokesperson, Bode Durojaiye, the visit, which took place on Tuesday, was facilitated by Oyo patriot Adetayo Adekunle and included curators from the Oyo and Ibadan museums.

During the meeting, Archbishop Emeritus Prince Ayo Ladigbolu provided a historical account of the 1895 invasion of Oyo by Captain Robert Bower. He recalled that several culturally significant artefacts were seized during the raid, stressing that these items hold deep cultural, spiritual, and historical value for the Yoruba people.

Ladigbolu emphasized that the artefacts are not mere art pieces but integral components of the Oyo Kingdom’s living cultural heritage. He explained that they are crucial to traditional festivals, ceremonies, and the spiritual identity of the kingdom, describing their removal as a longstanding injustice that has distorted the historical narrative of the Yoruba people.

Mr. Adekunle, speaking during the visit, called for urgent infrastructural upgrades at the Oyo Palace Museum. He said improving preservation standards and enhancing public access are essential steps to ensure the museum can properly house any repatriated items in the future.

In his remarks, Oba Owoade highlighted the historical significance of the ancient Oyo Empire, renowned for its military prowess, political organisation, and cultural influence across Yorubaland. He lamented that around 16 gold-plated beaded crowns and several symbolic items were looted during the 1895 raid.

The Alaafin reiterated that the return of the stolen artefacts remains a top priority for the Oyo Kingdom. He explained that their repatriation would restore cultural identity, strengthen historical continuity, and boost cultural tourism, stressing that the artefacts are sacred objects tied to the empire’s heritage.

Oba Owoade commended the DG for his assurances and urged swift action to recover the artefacts, drawing parallels with the recent repatriation of looted Benin treasures.