Cambridge University Returned Stolen Bronze Cock (Okhokhuo) to the Oba of Benin

Following restitution of a cockerel sculpture by Jesus College, the University of Aberdeen becomes the first UK institution to return looted Benin bronze to Nigeria in 2021. Every Benin artifact looted by the British from the palace of Benin in 1897 has a unique history. This cock was used to record a symbolic event that occurred in Benin during the travails of Ekaladerhan in the ancient times. When Ekaladerhan later known as Oduduwa was to be killed because of a particular problem, the executioners had mercy on him and let him go never to return to Benin again. To report at the palace of Oba that he has been killed, they had to kill a cock and rub the blood on their knife. He left Ughoton for Idah, and later Uhe/Ife area in Kogi state where Pa Idu used to visit when he was alive. After his exile and subsequent return to Benin, and the story told, a bronze image of the cock (Okhokhuo in Benin language) was made to keep the history alive forever. Here is the cock. https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2021/10/28/cambridge-university-college-becomes-first-uk-institution-to-return-looted-benin-bronze-to-nigeria

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Hon. Jean Augustine & MPP David Smith Graced Edo Language Day at University of Toronto, August 10th, 2024

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Benin History & Research Centre in Diaspora

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