Former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has advised that stolen artefacts returned to Africa should be leased to foreign museums.
He said this in reaction to the news that the University of Aberdeen is preparing to return a Benin bronze sculpture that was looted by British soldiers in Nigeria.
According to a statement on the University’s website, “Thousands of metal and ivory sculptures and carvings were looted by British forces in 1897 during the destruction of Benin City in present-day Nigeria by a British military expedition.
“Many of the soldiers and administrators involved sold Benin objects to museums or private collectors. Others were later given as gifts to museums or sold at an auction or by art dealers.
“Over the last 40 years, there have been growing calls for the return of such items, which have become symbols of injustice.
“A number of museums have been discussing the Benin bronzes in their collections and are supporting the creation of the Edo Museum of West African Art in Benin City to display the returned items under agreements wrought by all parties.”
Reacting to the news, Shehu Sani said some of the artifacts should be leased out to foreign museums so as to raise funds for the maintenance of those in Africa.
He tweeted, “The return of the Benin artifacts forcefully taken by British Soldiers in 1897 closed a chapter in historical heists. African states should think of LEASING Some of these artifacts to foreign museums enable them to raise funds to maintain those at home.”
