Remembering What Was Taken: From Benin 1897 to the 2026 Crown Return Demand

This chapter traces a painful line from the 1897 looting of Benin to today’s demand for the return of African cultural property. It connects the destruction of Ezza law, the cataloguing of African remains abroad, and the wider history of Black leaders and communities targeted for organising, teaching and remembering. The argument is that the same system has repeatedly taken, numbered, displayed and denied African history. The cited British Museum freedom-of-information response on two looted crowns is presented as a modern example of that refusal to account fully for what was taken. From Igbo-Ukwu and Ethiopia to Benin, Ezza, Barbados, FESTAC ’77 and the present day, we remember. The demand is clear: a full list, full return and a full apology by 26 August 2026. Oweze Omuagu. #FOI26116 #BringBackOurCrowns

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