Reclaiming Ezza Kingdom’s Crown, Ikenga and Ofo from UK Museums

In 1905 British forces burned the Nguji Ozo Ezekuna palace-shrine in Amana Onueke and looted the royal treasury of the Ezza kingdom. They seized Queen Mother Mgbafor Nnele’s crown, the central Ikenga, and the Ofo staff that once governed 12 clans under Ezekuna. Descendants of Ezekuna have compiled new evidence from colonial records and Portuguese trade logs. They show how Ezza controlled salt, lead-zinc and yams far more valuable than Benin before 1905. They challenge museums to correct “Ibo, Nigeria” labels and acknowledge the precise Ezza provenance. Under customary and international law, the royal heirs demand immediate return of accession 1909.20.1 (the Queen’s crown) and disclosure of all Ezza objects held in British collections. This formal claim seeks restitution of their Ikenga, Ofo and other regalia stolen during colonial takeover.

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