Dukes (Enigie) from Benin Kingdom have commended the joint efforts of federal government and His Royal Majesty, Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin’s efforts toward the Benin Royal Museum’ project, in line with the principle of common and shared responsibility for result.

At a meeting to review the progress so far, the Enogie of Iguogie Dukedom, HRH. Festus Osagiede, commended the level of progress made by stakeholders involved in the federal government-backed Benin Royal Museum in Benin City, Edo State where the artefacts and Bronzes will be kept.

Osagiede, thanked the federal government and Oba Ewuare II for their determination and unwavering support for approving the Benin Royal Museum where all the repatriated Benin artefacts and Bronzes from Europe and other parts of the world, and other looted Benin works abroad that are yet-to-be returned, have started yielding visible low-hanging fruits.

“We thank the federal government of Nigeria and the Oba of Benin for the great work that they are doing in the repatriation of the stolen Benin artefacts to the original place of origin. We are fully in support of the Benin Royal Museum”, he said.

On their part, the Enogie of Ukhiri Dukedom, HRH. Aigbe Osayande and his counterpart at Obadan Dukedom, both in Edo South Senatorial District, in Edo State, HRH. Joseph Airhihenbuwa, pledged their loyalty to the Oba of Benin for being steadfast and prayed for continuous unity of Benin Kingdom.

Recall that the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Notice No. 25 in the official Gazette No. 57, Volume 110 at pages A245-247, dated March 23, 2023 laid to rest, the steaming controversy over custody of the repatriated artefacts and Bronzes that were looted by foreign invaders from Oba of Benin Palace in Benin Kingdom — a territory in Edo State.

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