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A dispute between Nigerian leaders could jeopardise plans for the return of some of Africa s most famous artefacts, the Benin Bronzes, which were looted during the colonial era and are now mainly in Western museums, as writer Barnaby Phillips reports.
The Bronzes, thousands of metal sculptures and ivory carvings, were seized from the West African kingdom of Benin - in what is today Edo State in southern Nigeria - by a British military force in 1897.
In Europe their beauty and sophistication caused an instant sensation, and they are widely regarded as amongst Africa s greatest artworks.
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The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Ewuare II, has said repatriated Benin Bronzes should be returned to the Benin Royal Museum to be cited within the precincts of his palace.
At a press briefing in his palace on Friday, the Oba called on the Federal Government to take custody of the artefacts when repatriated until the royal museum is ready.
The Obaâs intervention and comments follow the controversy over where the artefacts, looted by British soldiers during the invasion of the Benin Kingdom, ought to be kept when returned.
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