Should the British Museum Publish 1897 Benin Expedition Records?

Good evening, NaijaWorld. In 1897, British forces raided the Oba’s Palace and the Queen Mother’s Palace in Benin Kingdom. Hundreds of bronzes, ivories and other treasures were taken and now sit in the British Museum. On June 30, 2026, we filed Freedom of Information Request 8696700 asking the museum to release acquisition records (EA 1898,0115; Af1897,0131.29), 1897–98 correspondence, current provenance files and the legal basis for that expedition acquisition. The deadline for their response is July 28, 2026. Before demanding their return, we need to know how these objects left Onueke and the Oba’s Palace. Should the British Museum make these records public? Yes or No? Please share your reasons.

Use The App To Win ₦1m

Stories are shared by community members. This article does not represent the official view of NaijaWorld — the author is solely responsible for its content.