The University of Cambridge has announced the transfer of legal ownership of 116 artworks from the Kingdom of Benin to Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM). The move follows an official request from the Nigerian government and has the agreement of the Royal Palace of Benin.

These artifacts, which include bronzes, ivory pieces, and wooden sculptures, were taken by British troops during the 1897 attack and looting of Benin City, now in Edo State, Nigeria. The restitution represents a major step in addressing the legacy of colonial-era looting of African cultural heritage.

While the legal transfer has been completed, the physical return of the objects has yet to be arranged. Most of the artifacts are expected to return to Nigeria, although a few will remain on temporary loan at Cambridge for continued exhibition and research.

This decision is part of a growing international movement to repatriate African artworks from European and American museums, acknowledging historical injustices and promoting the preservation of cultural heritage in their countries of origin.