Asantehene Challenges Ethics of UK Law Impeding Return of Looted Artefacts
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has launched into a frantic conversation about the incentive behind Britain’s unwillingness to restore treasures they looted from Africans- a globally acclaimed crime- under the pretext of an enacted law.
At a lecture in the United Kingdom (UK) on July 19, 2024, he asked, “Can anyone in good conscience sustain the enactment of a law to protect illegality?”
Despite recognizing the loot as illegal, Britain is protected by a law that bans it from permanently restoring such treasures.
Over the years, countries like Greece, Nigeria and Egypt have been demanding their properties but to no avail.
Earlier this year, the King of the Asante Kingdom succeeded at getting two museums to lend him 32 of such artefacts in their possession after an agreement; however at a Lecture at the British Museum on Friday, he noted that loaning does not constitute restitution as prioritized by the United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
His Majesty didn’t mince words and affirmed his frankness when he noted that good conscience is a monumental challenge to the UK when it comes to these artefacts which carries the soul of its owners who have since time immemorial demanded restitution.
Reasoning with the country during the lecture, he said, “It remains our inalterable position that articles of cultural importance looted or procured in unethical circumstances through the colonial enterprise be restored to their owners. This is the position of UNESCO and the position clearly endorsed by the government of France. We are mindful of some residual resistance but in the main, we will contend that all of us in this room are victims of a system in need of updating
“We are either victims of a system that denies justice or victims of a system that prevents us from administering justice and doing what we know to be the right thing. From both sides, we need sincerity to appeal to our conscience. Nobody disputes the fact that many of the cultural articles were obtained in illegal or unethical circumstances. Can anyone in good conscience sustain the enactment of a law to protect illegality? That has to be a monumental challenge to jurisprudence and I dare say a challenge to what I unshakeably believe to the British justice.”
His Majesty used the occasion to convey his hope that the law which is shielding a crime would be reworked to render justice.
“My sincere hope is that in the fullness of time, sooner than later, state authorities will take steps to review laws contrived to protect illegalities and permit all concerned to apply themselves to the rational resolution of the challenge of restitution.”
Meanwhile, he has invited all continents sharing in this plight to his abode in Kumasi to develop strategies to go about the injustice they are faced with.
“I stand ready in the spirit of international harmony to invite the world to Kumasi for a global conference to seek universal consensus on the peaceful and rational restitution of illegally acquired cultural objects,” he said to a resounding applause from the audience.
