In April 2024, the United Kingdom returned 32 gold and silver artifacts looted from the court of the Asante King over 150 years ago during the conflict between the British forces and the Asante people. The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II expressed gratitude to the London Museum for the return of the acquired relics belonging to the Asante Kingdom in the 19th century.
This restitution followed extensive deliberations among the Manhyia Palace, the British Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum, where the unlawfully acquired treasures had been housed. Throughout the negotiation process, the UK consented to temporarily loan the reclaimed artifacts to the Asante Kingdom in 2024 in honor of the Silver Jubilee of Otumfuo’s reign as the Asantehene.
Speaking as a guest lecturer at the British Museum, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II expressed that the return of the treasures symbolizes the deepening connection between the Asante Kingdom and the British nation. He emphasized that despite the unethical acquisition of these treasures in the past, their restitution to the Asante Kingdom, even if temporarily, signifies the mutual trust and goodwill between the United Kingdom and the Asante Kingdom.
“The response of my people to the return of these artefacts have been truly reassuring. The return is being celebrated at one level, with the same reverence as the heroes of a state, returning from enforced exile and at another level, as marking the spiritual reconnection of with lost souls.” the Otumfuo said.
Delivering a lecture on the theme; “Asante Culture and Heritage: Past and Present”, the Otumfuo also said the return of the artifact has renewed the sense of pride in his kinsmen, especially the younger generation. “Critically for me, it has spurred among the young not just a new model of self-belief and confidence in their heritage but an inspiration to strive to add to that heritage of excellence in creativity and innovation,” the Asante King added.
Otumfuo’s speech at the British Museum happens to be his first international public speaking engagement for 2024. The occasion was orchestrated by the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum on Friday, July 19, 2024. A declaration issued by the Manhyia Palace articulated that the speech is an integral component of the collaboration in global cultures and commercial advancement between the two kingdoms.
