By Peter Omopo
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has revealed that 16 gold-plated beaded crowns were looted from the Alaafin palace during the British invasion of Oyo in November 1895, describing the missing artifacts as irreplaceable cultural, spiritual, and historical treasures of the Yoruba people.
Oba Owoade disclosed this while receiving the Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Olugbile Holloway, at his Boroboro private residence in Oyo, Oyo State.
According to the Alaafin’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the NCMM boss pledged the commission’s commitment to securing the repatriation of the stolen Oyo artefacts, similar to the agency’s recent efforts in recovering looted Benin objects.
Oba Owoade reiterated the cultural significance of the artifacts to Yoruba identity.
“About 16 gold-plated beaded crowns were stolen during the dastardly raid of the palace in November 1895. These artefacts are cultural symbols and carry spiritual and historical significance, and their return is essential for the preservation of heritage and identity,” he said.
The monarch noted that the old Oyo Empire stood as a major political and military force, renowned for its administrative sophistication and cultural influence. He explained that artefacts taken during colonial incursions documented the kingdom’s evolution, political systems, and daily life.
He described the loss of the crowns and other items as a direct result of colonial aggression.
“The removal of these artifacts, often as plunder or war trophies during 19th-century British punitive expeditions and military campaigns, is a direct result of colonial aggression. They are physical reminders of the means by which Britain established trade dominance and amassed colonies,” Oba Owoade said.
He stressed that the items carry enormous value for cultural tourism, national pride, and the continuity of Yoruba customs, noting that the Alaafin remains the symbolic guardian of Yoruba history and tradition.
Also speaking at the event, Archbishop Emeritus Ayo Ladigbolu provided historical context on the 1895 invasion led by Captain Robert Bower (known locally as Ogun-Pepe).
He emphasised the irreplaceable value of the stolen objects.
“The stolen Oyo artifacts hold significant cultural, spiritual, and historical value for the Yoruba people, serving as tangible links to their powerful past as an empire. Their removal represents a historical injustice and a loss of identity for the originating community,” he said.
Ladigbolu noted that such cultural objects are not mere artworks but “living heritage” with rituals and festivals—such as the Sango and Oranmiyan festivals—depending on their presence for authenticity and spiritual continuity.
“When removed, this context is lost, turning items of profound local meaning into mere museum exhibits in Western institutions,” he warned.
Both the Alaafin and NCMM expressed optimism that ongoing repatriation efforts would lead to the return of the historic crowns, helping to restore an essential part of Yoruba heritage and national identity.
