Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin has received 119 pieces of repatriated looted Benin artefacts — symbolizing the largest physical returned Bronzes from Netherlands in Europe, paving the way for cultural Diplomacy.
The development comes barely one year after the royal father took custody of two other looted Bronzes — comprising two wooden royal stools (Ekete) made during the reign of Oba Eresoyen and Oba Esigie in Benin from the German government.
The recent iconic heritage crafted by Edo people were returned from Wereld Museum in Netherlands, include the displayed Bird (Ahianmwen), wooden ancestral head, warrior King, cock (Okpa) since the infamous 1897 expedition by the British Forces in Benin palace.
The Director-General of National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Mr Olugbile Holloway made the symbolic presentation to the Oba on behalf of the Nigerian government to Oba Ewuare, the second ‘late Wednesday in Oba Palace, Benin City.
Addressing the Benin throne, Mr Holloway, who recalled a brief history of the British expedition in Benin Palace, thanked the Netherlands government officials and Oba Ewuare for trusting the system with the Benin artefacts, vowing not to depose the confidence reposed in him by the monarch.
Netherlands delegation’s
team lead, Marieke Van Bommel, who expressed solidarity with the Oba, stated that the ceremony represents a historic moment that will further strengthen Diplomatic ties between Netherlands and Nigerian governments.
In a rare and historic move, Oba Ewuare, rose from his throne at the breathtaking moment when he danced joyfully to soul-lifting songs and offered prayers to Almighty God and his ancestors for the historic milestones, which has kindled the courage of Edo heritage.
In his remarks, Oba Ewuare, the second, thanked the Netherlands government, President Bola Tinubu and his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari for their political will, intentionality and sincerity of purpose that led to the recovery of Benin artefacts that have a significant impact and cultural landscape, abroad.
The first Class traditional ruler also thanked Director-General of National Commission for Museums and Monuments for resisting subterranean attempts by a top former government official in Edo State who allegedly conspired with a former helmsman of the National Museums and Monuments to re-loot Benin Bronzes during their tenures in office for their personal gains.
Oba Ewuare said, “I want to thank President President Bola Tinubu, Commander in Chief-of-the Armed Forces, for supporting and committing to the effort the former President, Muhammadu Buhari in this quest in ensuring that our artefacts are not re-looted.
“I believe there were groups in this Country – Nigeria that act with international Cartels with all sorts of conspirators against the return of Benin Bronzes.
“Today, the boldness, thr courage of our Benin people are still there. We try to reawaken the courage.
“Your predecessor in National Commission for Museums and Monuments, was part of that conspiracy to re-loot our artefacts. Been trained in America, I tell you as it’s. These artefacts belong to my Benin ancestors.
“I will not sit here on the ancient throne of my ancestors and let it be re-looted.
“I thank the government of Netherlands for working with us — For been touched in their hearts to return these treasured artefacts. This is part of the efforts to reawaken the morale and spirits of my people, and make them courageous again.
“You know the history of Benin, that is reduced to Edo South Senatorial District and others. Then, there was a Government in Edo State that tried to reduce further. That Government wanted. But, God did not allow it”, Oba Ewuare enthused.
Members of the royal family, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, Esq, Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Osamwonyi Atu, acting Local Government Council Chairmen in Edo South Senatorial District, and other top government officials in the State, Benin palace Chiefs, Dukes (Enigie) and HRH Sule Idaiye, the Imma of Somorika Clan in Akoko-Edo in Edo North Senatorial District, were among dignitaries that joined the royal father at the ceremony.
Osaigbovo Iguobaro
Chief Press Secretary to the Oba of Benin
June 19th 2024.
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