Return of Benin Objects to Nigeria: Perceptions and the Law
This research responds to the debates over who should own Benin objects returned to Nigeria and the news about the Oba of Benin commenting, prior to 2023, that the Benin objects to be returned to Nigeria should be returned to him and not the fede...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BACHLaw Foundation
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Santander Art & Culture Law Review |
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https://ejournals.eu/czasopismo/saaclr/artykul/return-of-benin-objects-to-nigeria-perceptions-and-the-law
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| _version_ | 1841554764491390976 |
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| author | Afolasade A. Adewumi |
| author_facet | Afolasade A. Adewumi |
| author_sort | Afolasade A. Adewumi |
| collection | DOAJ |
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This research responds to the debates over who should own Benin objects returned to Nigeria and the news about the Oba of Benin commenting, prior to 2023, that the Benin objects to be returned to Nigeria should be returned to him and not the federal government. This article uncovers the perceptions of the members of the Igun community, many of whom are the descendants of the Igun guild that produced the Benin objects that were carted away from Benin Kingdom during the 1897 Expedition. Using a survey questionnaire and in-depth interviews, the article examines the perceptions of the Igun community about the Benin objects and the effect of the expedition on Benin art and heritage. The findings reveal that many believe the Benin objects should be returned to the Oba, who is the custodian of Benin culture and heritage. The respondents are also in agreement that the expedition, although brutal, nonetheless brought Benin art and heritage into the limelight. The article also carries out a critique of the Executive Order Notice No. 25, Order No. 1 of 2023, and concludes by stating that though the executive order is invalid, its invalidity is inconsequential with respect to the dictates of customary law, human rights law, and international law.
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| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-319787adb93f4d3b8f5173fcd92a528b |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2391-7997 2450-050X |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-12-01 |
| publisher | BACHLaw Foundation |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Santander Art & Culture Law Review |
| spelling | doaj-art-319787adb93f4d3b8f5173fcd92a528b2025-01-08T10:03:21ZengBACHLaw FoundationSantander Art & Culture Law Review2391-79972450-050X2024-12-012024220922610.4467/2450050XSNR.24.018.20829Return of Benin Objects to Nigeria: Perceptions and the LawAfolasade A. Adewumi0https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8503-7029 University of Ibadan This research responds to the debates over who should own Benin objects returned to Nigeria and the news about the Oba of Benin commenting, prior to 2023, that the Benin objects to be returned to Nigeria should be returned to him and not the federal government. This article uncovers the perceptions of the members of the Igun community, many of whom are the descendants of the Igun guild that produced the Benin objects that were carted away from Benin Kingdom during the 1897 Expedition. Using a survey questionnaire and in-depth interviews, the article examines the perceptions of the Igun community about the Benin objects and the effect of the expedition on Benin art and heritage. The findings reveal that many believe the Benin objects should be returned to the Oba, who is the custodian of Benin culture and heritage. The respondents are also in agreement that the expedition, although brutal, nonetheless brought Benin art and heritage into the limelight. The article also carries out a critique of the Executive Order Notice No. 25, Order No. 1 of 2023, and concludes by stating that though the executive order is invalid, its invalidity is inconsequential with respect to the dictates of customary law, human rights law, and international law. https://ejournals.eu/czasopismo/saaclr/artykul/return-of-benin-objects-to-nigeria-perceptions-and-the-law |
| spellingShingle | Afolasade A. Adewumi Return of Benin Objects to Nigeria: Perceptions and the Law Santander Art & Culture Law Review |
| title | Return of Benin Objects to Nigeria: Perceptions and the Law |
| title_full | Return of Benin Objects to Nigeria: Perceptions and the Law |
| title_fullStr | Return of Benin Objects to Nigeria: Perceptions and the Law |
| title_full_unstemmed | Return of Benin Objects to Nigeria: Perceptions and the Law |
| title_short | Return of Benin Objects to Nigeria: Perceptions and the Law |
| title_sort | return of benin objects to nigeria perceptions and the law |
| url |
https://ejournals.eu/czasopismo/saaclr/artykul/return-of-benin-objects-to-nigeria-perceptions-and-the-law
|
| work_keys_str_mv | AT afolasadeaadewumi returnofbeninobjectstonigeriaperceptionsandthelaw |