The Benin Bronzes Cast Fresh Light on the Role of Traditional Authorities in Protecting Cultural Property
April 7, 2025
The Antiquities Coalition Think Tank has released a new commentary titled “How Can the Protection of Cultural Property be Strengthened in Africa?”
Author Dr. Leslye Obiora, Professor of Law and former Minister of Mining and Steel Development for the Federal Republic of Nigeria, explores the importance of engaging traditional authorities in cultural property discussions and policy-making.
Dr. Obiora highlights Nigeria’s recent decision to grant ownership of the returned Benin Bronzes to the Oba as a powerful example of how involving local leadership can improve cultural property protection. Nigeria, like many African countries, faces unique post-colonial challenges that are often overlooked by Western legal frameworks.
In light of these oversights, Dr. Obiora evaluates the extent to which legal protections—such as the 1970 UNESCO Convention—to prevent the illicit transfer of cultural property accommodate local customs and authority structures.
Her findings provide insights into the critical role traditional authorities could play in ensuring global efforts to safeguard Africa’s cultural heritage from cultural plunder are well-informed and just.
Read and download Dr. Obiora’s AC Think Tank commentary here.
Browse all AC Think Tank publications here.