Cambridge University college hands back looted cockerel to Nigeria

BoomRadioNG | October 28, 2021

The master of a Cambridge University college has described the return of a looted bronze cockerel to representatives of Nigeria as a “momentous occasion”. The statue, known as the “Okukur”, was taken by British colonial forces in 1897 and given to Jesus College in 1905 by the father of a student.

A decision for it to be returned was made in 2019 after students campaigned. A ceremony has been held at the college to sign the handover documents.

Master of Jesus College, Sonita Alleyne said; “It’s massively significant, It’s a momentous occasion.”

Okukur

She said returning the artefact was the “right thing to do” to and said the bronze piece was of “cultural and spiritual significance to the people of Nigeria”. Alleyne said; “It’s part of their ancestral heritage,” . She added that the Nigerian delegation would decide how and when to move the Okukur.

Paul Ayorinde