In this episode of the African Heritage Nexus (AHN) Podcast, we speak with Peter Jegede, a Nigerian curator and researcher whose work spans restitution, exhibitions, and geoarchaeology. Peter shares his unusual journey from industrial chemistry into the world of museums, beginning with his role at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL). He reflects on how his scientific background informs conservation and preservation practices in heritage spaces.
Peter discusses his involvement in Open Restitution Africa, where he researched the return of Ife cultural objects from Mexico, Lebanon, and the Metropolitan Museum in New York. He highlights the disconnect between official restitution processes and community knowledge, and stresses the importance of ethical restitution—where communities are not just recipients, but active participants in the process.
He also talks about his curatorial philosophy: starting with stories, layering historical context, symbolism, and materiality to reveal multiple truths through objects. From powerful exhibitions like Legacy of Leadership and Immateriality of Materials to deeply moving stories such as the replication of President Obasanjo’s prison cell, Peter shows how curation can hold memory, dignity, and truth.
Looking ahead, Peter shares insights from his pioneering PhD in Geoarchaeology, emphasizing how soil, sediments, and chemical signatures can help reconstruct ancient human activity. He closes with a call for younger practitioners to pursue heritage with passion, persistence, and inclusivity, while reminding us that museums must become spaces of dialogue, healing, and empowerment—not silence.
