Follow Us on Google
Olugbile Holloway’s inclusion in TIME Magazine’s inaugural TIME100 Art list has drawn attention to Nigeria’s recent efforts to secure the return of Benin artefacts from European institutions.
Holloway was involved in the transfer of 119 Benin Bronzes from the Wereldmuseum in Leiden, Netherlands, to Nigeria in June 2025.
The transfer documents were signed on June 21, 2025, in the presence of Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science Eppo Bruins.
The repatriation was followed by another transfer involving the University of Cambridge’s Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in the United Kingdom.
On February 9, 2026, Cambridge formally transferred legal ownership of 116 Benin artefacts to Nigeria following years of discussions involving Nigerian stakeholders, including the Benin Royal Court.
Cambridge director Nicholas Thomas said the transfer followed sustained dialogue between the institution and Nigerian stakeholders.
Nigeria’s cultural engagement has also extended to the United States. On April 5, 2025, Holloway hosted US Ambassador Richard M. Mills Jr. and his wife at the National Museum of Lagos.
During the visit, discussions included the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s plans for the reopening of its Michael C. Rockefeller Wing in New York, which houses African artworks, including works from Nigeria.
Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing between Nigeria and the British Museum over the possible return of Benin artefacts in its collection.
The British Museum is subject to UK legislation governing the disposal of objects in its collection, making permanent transfers more complicated.
Holloway’s recognition by TIME comes against the backdrop of these ongoing efforts concerning the restitution of Nigerian cultural artefacts held by foreign institutions.
