The Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare the second has rejected the plan by the Edo state governor, Godwin Obaseki to hand over the proposed repatriation of the looted Benin artefacts to the custody of a private body, but insisted that, the rightful place to return the stolen Benin historical artefacts is the palace of the oba of Benin where it was stolen from in 1897 by the British invaders.
The revered Oba of Benin disclosed this at an emergency meeting in his palace with chiefs and enigies.
In the year 1897, the Benin kingdom was invaded by the British Army over trade disputes and the Benin historical artefacts were stolen in that invasion of Benin kingdom which also led to the loss of lives.
Plans have been on for several years on how to repatriate the looted Benin artefacts, but the subject of discourse between the Oba’s palace and Edo Government has been who takes custody of these precious Benin artworks when they are returned.
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The state governor Godwin Obaseki is said to be planning to set up the Edo Museum of West African Arts, EMOWAA to take custody of the artefacts which does not go down well with the Oba of Benin.
At the emergency meeting with Benin Chiefs and enigies held at the palace of the Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare the second, the revered Benin king kicked against the plan by Governor Godwin Obaseki to build a museum outside the palace to receive the looted artefacts.
Some prominent Benin chiefs and two Princesses of the palace who also kicked against the Edo state government’s plan urged the governor to rescind his decision.
The oba of Benin while suing for peace, called on the Federal Government to take custody of these artefacts on behalf of the Palace until the Benin Royal Museum is ready for their collection.
(Editor : Paul Akhagbemhe)
