Benin Bronzes — Leadership, justice, and cultural restoration

“History is not just about the past; it shapes our present and future.”

In 1897, British soldiers stormed the Kingdom of Benin, looting its treasures and burning its palace to the ground. Among the artifacts stolen were the famed Benin Bronzes — masterpieces of African craftsmanship that told the story of a civilisation rich in culture, power, and artistic brilliance. These stolen works were scattered across museums and private collections in Europe and America, far from the land where they were created.

Now, 128 years later, a global movement for restitution is bringing some of these artifacts home. The Netherlands recently returned a collection of Benin Bronzes, marking a significant step toward justice. “This restitution is contributing to the restoration of a historic injustice that is still felt today,” said Minister Eppo Bruins. The return is not just about art; it’s about acknowledging a painful past and reclaiming cultural identity.

At 111 years old, Pa John Dada Obafemi, one of Nigeria’s oldest citizens, was just 17 when the British looted the bronzes. His lifetime spans the impact of this loss — a stark reminder that stolen heritage is not just a historical issue, but one that affects national pride, identity, and continuity. The return of these artifacts presents an opportunity for reflection and action, particularly for today’s leaders.

Reflection 1 

Confront the past with honesty

Leadership demands the courage to acknowledge historical wrongs. The Benin Bronzes represent more than stolen art; they symbolize the erasure of a people’s history. Whether in governance, business, or social leadership, ignoring the past only weakens trust and hinders progress.

Actionable advice

• Recognise and openly address historical injustices within organisations or communities.
• Foster conversations about history and its impact on present-day inequalities.
• Implement policies that acknowledge past mistakes and take corrective action.

Reflection 2

Cultural identity is a foundation for progress

A society disconnected from its history struggles to define its future. The loss of cultural heritage weakens national unity, while its restoration strengthens identity and resilience. Leaders must protect and promote cultural heritage as a tool for long-term development.

Actionable advice

• Invest in preserving cultural heritage through education, museums, and public awareness programmes.
• Integrate historical and cultural studies into leadership development.
• Support initiatives that empower local communities to protect and celebrate their heritage.

Reflection 3 

Justice requires more than symbolic gestures

Returning stolen artifacts is a step toward justice, but it must be accompanied by broader structural changes. Nigeria, like many nations reclaiming its cultural heritage, must ensure it has the institutions and resources to protect and showcase these treasures.

Actionable advice

• Advocate for stronger cultural preservation policies and museum infrastructure.
• Support ethical guidelines for global museums to prevent future cultural theft.
• Encourage collaborations between nations to create frameworks for restitution.

Reflection 4 

True leadership demands decisive action

The return of the Benin Bronzes happened because individuals, governments, and institutions took bold steps. Leadership is not about passive acknowledgment but about taking responsibility and driving meaningful change.

Actionable advice

• Take proactive steps to correct injustices in your sphere of influence.
• Ensure policies align with ethical values, rather than waiting for external pressure.
• Be transparent about decision-making, fostering trust and accountability.

For leadership, the Benin Bronzes represent a broader lesson: true leadership is about acknowledging uncomfortable truths and making difficult but necessary decisions. Restitution is not just about returning objects; it is about restoring dignity, identity, and agency to those who have been historically marginalised. Leaders in all sectors — whether political, corporate, or cultural — must recognise that confronting history is not an act of weakness but one of strength. The willingness to take responsibility and implement corrective measures fosters resilience and long-term societal progress.

Pa John Dada Obafemi’s 111 years remind us that history is not an abstract concept — it is lived, remembered, and felt across generations. His life spans an era where colonial disruptions transformed entire societies, and yet, even after a century, the repercussions remain. This reality reinforces the need for leaders today to think beyond their immediate term in office or tenure in leadership. What we fail to address today will remain a burden for future generations.

The return of the Benin Bronzes should not mark the end of restitution efforts but rather the beginning of a larger movement toward justice and cultural restoration. Governments must invest in the institutions that preserve history, from museums to educational reforms that teach the true narrative of Africa’s artistic and cultural heritage. Likewise, organisations and business leaders must recognise the importance of ethical decision-making in how they engage with historical artifacts, indigenous knowledge, and global heritage.

Leadership in the 21st century demands more than economic growth or political stability — it requires moral courage, cultural intelligence, and a commitment to justice. As we shape the future, we must ensure that history is not used as a tool for division but as a foundation for reconciliation, empowerment, and progress. Only by addressing the past with honesty and taking action in the present can we create a just and inclusive future where history serves as a guide, not a burden.

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