24 Apr 2021
Two supposed Benin Bronzes being “returned” to Africa by the woke Archbishop of Canterbury were actually made in the 1980s and have no link to colonialism, it has been admitted.
Top Church of England clergyman Justin Welby made the decision to “return” two bronze sculptures which were gifted to Archbishop Robert Runcie by Professor Ambrose F. Alli and the University of Nigeria almost four decades ago in 1982, long after decolonisation.
“We have offered for the two busts to be included in the Digital Benin project and eventually, returned to our friends in Edo, Nigeria, where they may remain,” said a statement from the Archibshops’ official residence of Lambeth Palace, in a statement reported by the
Two Benin Bronze sculptures gifted to the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1982 that are set to be repatriated to Nigeria were made in the 1980s, officials have said.
Sculptures and plaques made for royalty in the former Kingdom of Benin and seized by British forces in 1897 have been the subject of growing calls for repatriation to Nigeria after Black Lives Matter protests.
The Benin Bronzes, among the most famous treasures taken, are currently on display at the British Museum, but a number of galleries have recently agreed to send similar items back, with the University of Aberdeen saying last month it would return a sculpture to Nigeria within weeks.
Benin Bronzes to be repatriated by Church of England are from 1980s
The sculptures Lambeth Palace is returning as a gesture of goodwill were made 100 years after most Benin Bronzes were seized
The pair of female figures are likely from the 1980 s
“Benin Bronzes” due to be repatriated by the Church of England were made in the 1980s, officials have stated.
Sculptures and plaques made for royalty in the former Kingdom of Benin and largely seized by British forces in 1897 have been the subject of renewed calls for repatriation to Nigeria following Black Lives Matter protests.
The Church of England owns two statues which were gifted to Archbishop Robert Runcie by politician Prof Ambrose F. Alli and the University of Nigeria during an Easter visit to the country in 1982.
Church of England agrees to return two Benin Bronzes given to late Archbishop of Canterbury in 1982 tribuneonlineng.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from tribuneonlineng.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.