Benin Artefacts: Obaseki will continue to engage Oba of Benin to secure final return, says Edo Govt

▪Downplays report of major conflict

The Governor of Edo state, Mr Godwin Obaseki has warned that no one, whether in government or acting independently, should engage in disrespectful exchanges with the Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, and the Benin Royal Palace on the proposed return of Benin’s stolen artefacts from Germany.

The warning was contained in a statement issued on Monday, July 12, 2021 by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Barrister Osarodion Ogie.

The development would appear to have downplayed media and other sundry reports of a major conflict between the State Government and the Oba of Benin on where the artefacts should be custodied or warehoused when they were eventually returned to Nigeria.

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While the state government planned to build a centre (Legacy Restoration Trust) for warehousing the artefacts, the Oba had insisted that the artefacts should be returned to the ancient Benin Museum in and around the premises of the Benin Palace.

Benin sons and daughters in the Diaspora had risen in strong support of the Oba of Benin and tradition on the matter.

The Oba had last Friday held an emergency meeting with traditional chiefs, market men and women and other critical stakeholders in his Palace at the end of which the position for the Benin Museum to take custody of the artefacts was reinforced.

In a swift reaction to the development, the state government has reined in agitations, saying there was no major conflict on the issue.

Read the statement: “The attention of the Edo State Government (EDSG) has been drawn to the widely publicized media statement issued by the Palace of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.

“It is concerning that the statement appears to have created the impression that there is a major conflict between the interests of the EDSG and His Royal Majesty with regards to the laudable national milestone of having our highly valued artefacts returned home to Nigeria.

“The Government of Edo State and the Governor have always acted transparently and in consonance with existing Federal and State laws in all matters relating to the proposed return of the artefacts and monuments.

“The actions of the government thus far on this issue have been driven by selfless, patriotic considerations and in the best interest of Edo State and Edo people.

“The Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has displayed and will continue to display immense respect for our traditional institutions and therefore will continue to make efforts to secure a private audience with His Royal Majesty to discuss his concerns.

“The Governor has consequently ordered that on no account should anyone, whether in government or acting independently, engage in disrespectful exchanges and/or altercation with our revered Royal Majesty and the Benin Royal Palace.

“Governor Obaseki, meanwhile, expresses his gratitude to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) and Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and other officials of the federal government for their patriotic and tireless efforts that have brought us to the verge of this eagerly anticipated achievement which has remained elusive for over a century.

“While thanking and congratulating the Federal Government, the President, the Minister, the Royal Palace of the Oba of Benin and all stakeholders who have contributed to the successes so far recorded in this endeavor, the Governor assures that he will continue to work assiduously with all local and international stakeholders for the eventual and final return of these valued records of our great and glorious heritage back to Benin City for the benefit of ALL Edo people, Nigerians and the black race.”