Recent return spells a new era for the Benin Kingdom and its descendants while Cambridge commands more commendation
Professor Chris Imafidon – At the much-reported Cambridge ceremony which one was privileged to be a participant, one saw real history. It was a rare occasion for everyone in the auditorium and for Africans who joined via the power of technology. It was also the restoration of hope for many young Africans who have championed the call for reparations. The occasion showed both pain of history and the pleasure of a new future. A new future of a recognition by western institutions that the tide is turning. We are entering a new era. An era of tell history instead of misinformation and distortion.
HERITAGE
As in such circumstances, the least one could demand, was that all western, and west-based institutions, individuals or governments still holding on to the Benin Bronzes should emulate Cambridge.
Having been seen or interacted with western institutions in possessions of Benin bronzes or African loots to, the call for all to follow the lead of Jesus College, Cambridge or Aberdeen was very logical. Most logical individuals with such items would set up immediate plans into action to repatriate all items back to the Oba of Benin, and his people in the Benin Kingdom.
As chair of the UK-based multi-award winning programme (ExcellenceinEducation.org.uk), one must make it abundantly clear to every western institutions in possessions of Benin bronzes and African loots to follow the lead of Jesus College, of Cambridge University or Aberdeen University and return them. This is because the current and previous generations have been denied their heritage, history which these items represent.
HOPE – PAIN Vs PLEASURE
As a descendant of Benin Kingdom, the speech given in Edo language, the first of its kind in Cambridge University was emotionally laden. Reference was made to “Oba Akenzua II’s son, (Prince Solomon Akenzua) who coincidentally studied Law and Public Administration at the same Cambridge University several years ago in the 1950s. It was poignant to hear traditional greetings of “Long live the Oba”, a customary punctuation in any Benin formal or informal discussion in Benin Kingdom. The day’s event was much more than just a ceremony, it is more symbolic, more significant and bigger than all those present in the hall. Indeed, the hand-over of the Okhokho, Cock, goes beyond anyone’s imagination. The echoes of the vent will be heard and continue to echo beyond many centuries.
Most people from Benin were filled with great joy and emotions to witness ‘Okhokho’ (Corruptly referred to as “Okukur”) the bird flying home. There is a saying in Edo language of the creators of the bronze structure … “that the cock, no matter how far away it flies, or wanders, it will always come back to its origin.”
One individual who deserves a huge congratulations was Ms Sonita Alleyne, the master of Jesus College. She showed courageous leadership in the simple act of returning the artefacts. This will certainly be acknowledged not only by this generation but also by those yet unborn.
HISTORY
Benin Bronze Cockerel (which is called Okhokho in Edo language) homecoming continues to generate more significance than symbolism. One has to allude to the Craftmanship of the originators after observing the fine finishing of the cockerel has been passed down through the centuries.
The Benin Bronze cockerel is returned to Edo State, Nigeria via the Oba of Benin in a repatriation of stolen artefacts to the Motherland by Jesus College, Cambridge. It was initiated in a conversation with a student in 2016 but the student who have long graduated from the university were invited back to the ceremony and wave a final goodbye to the bird. In 2019 it was brought up in the first discussion with the Master of the College Master Sonita Alleyne. It is significant because it is the first artefact to be returned to Africa since the looting of 1897.
Professor Chris Imafidon, is a multi-Guinness World record holder; internationally renowned adviser to monarchs, governments, presidents and corporate leaders; Mentor to multi-millionaire tech entrepreneurs & many world record holders.
Prof Chris Imafidon is a direct descendant of Benin Bronze-caster via his paternal lineage and Benin royalty via his grand maternal lineage. He is chair, ExcellenceinEducation.org.uk, an alliance of inner-city educational charities and institutions that mentors youths, women and professionals in the commonwealth. His research and innovation have been recognised internationally, winning multiple awards. Professor Imafidon is a regular contributor to #AfricanVoice; authored op-ed editorial for the Britain’s Sunday Times; Mentor to New York Times Bestellers and a Sunday Times Op-ed author. [Twitter @ChrisImafidon; Instagram @CoImafidon; Facebook/Linkedln/ClubHouse –Professor Chris Imafidon]
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