Randa Abdelfattah

And over the next century, many of these artifacts, known collectively as Benin bronzes, ended up in museums.

And over the next century, many of these artifacts, known collectively as Benin bronzes, ended up in museums.

And others ended up in private collections and universities. Like the rooster statue that Ore Ogumbi first spotted in her college dining hall.

And others ended up in private collections and universities. Like the rooster statue that Ore Ogumbi first spotted in her college dining hall.

And others ended up in private collections and universities. Like the rooster statue that Ore Ogumbi first spotted in her college dining hall.

Until 2016, after Ore and her peers began organizing for it to be taken out of the dining hall and returned to Nigeria.

Until 2016, after Ore and her peers began organizing for it to be taken out of the dining hall and returned to Nigeria.

Until 2016, after Ore and her peers began organizing for it to be taken out of the dining hall and returned to Nigeria.

Ore and her classmates had done their research, and the college had even gotten a letter from the Nigerian government formally requesting the return of the rooster statue.

Ore and her classmates had done their research, and the college had even gotten a letter from the Nigerian government formally requesting the return of the rooster statue.

Ore and her classmates had done their research, and the college had even gotten a letter from the Nigerian government formally requesting the return of the rooster statue.

But... nothing. And then, one day, sort of out of nowhere, the statue disappeared. But it wasn't clear what they were going to do with it. A spokesperson said at the time that the college and university would discuss and determine the best future for the Okoko, including the question of repatriation.

But... nothing. And then, one day, sort of out of nowhere, the statue disappeared. But it wasn't clear what they were going to do with it. A spokesperson said at the time that the college and university would discuss and determine the best future for the Okoko, including the question of repatriation.

But... nothing. And then, one day, sort of out of nowhere, the statue disappeared. But it wasn't clear what they were going to do with it. A spokesperson said at the time that the college and university would discuss and determine the best future for the Okoko, including the question of repatriation.

As for Ore and her peers, their hope started to wane.

As for Ore and her peers, their hope started to wane.

As for Ore and her peers, their hope started to wane.

So in the meantime, Ore went on with her life.

So in the meantime, Ore went on with her life.

So in the meantime, Ore went on with her life.