Outrage over colonial painting that ‘celebrates invasion’ displayed at British Embassy

‘British Men of War Attacked by the King of Lagos’, by James George Philp, displays the Royal Navy’s attack on Lagos (Picture: Government Art Col)

The Foreign Office has been branded ‘disgusting’ for installing an artwork at the British embassy in Nigeria that ‘celebrates’ the country’s invasion.

The British Deputy High Commission in Lagos installed a painting of a Royal Navy attack on the port city in 1851 which toppled the region’s king, Metro can reveal.

Officials took the decision after Labour came to power in July 2024, but are now facing calls to take it down or risk undermining diplomatic relations.

British-Nigerian historians and activists said the artwork gives the impress...