Benin Monarch’s depiction of the return of Benin artefacts and Gov. Obaseki’s twist, by Desmond Agbama (Ph.D)

The Benin artefacts were looted from the then Palace of the Oba of Benin in Benin City by the Europeans during the 1897 expedition. History has it that the campaign for its return years after was started by His Royal Majesty Oba Akenzua II of blessed memory who reign between 1933-1978. The campaign was continued by His Royal Majesty Oba Erediauwa between 1978-2016. The campaign was facilitated during the reign of Oba Erediauwa and accentuated by the Crown Prince, now Oba Ewuare II when he was appointed at various times as the Nigeria’s Ambassador to Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Italy and Angola.

Addressing Chiefs, Enigie, Edionwere, Market women, Youths and Journalists at a meeting held on Friday July 9, 2021 in the Palace, Oba Ewuare II said as Ambassador he started campaigning for the return of the stolen artefacts as directed by his father, Oba Erediauwa. The campaign led to the return of some of the artefacts including the bird and bell (Ahianmwen oro).

The Benin Monarch explained that when he ascended the throne in 2016, he promised to restore the lost glories of the rich Benin cultural heritage and to continue the campaign for the return of the stolen Benin artefacts in line with the directive by his father and the ancestors. The Omo N’Oba noted that the campaign is not his personal concern, but that of the entire people of Benin kingdom. Therefore, the campaign for the repatriation of the artefacts had started even before the creation of Midwest and it predates the administration of all the governor of the state including that of Governor Godwin Obaseki.

In a statement by the Oba of Benin read on his behalf by the Iyase of Benin Chief Sam Igbe at the meeting, it was categorically stated that the stolen artefacts belongs to the palace of the Oba of Benin and by extension the Oba of Benin, and not the state government or any private corporation. “The looted artefacts awaiting repatriation from Europe are the cultural heritage of the Benin kingdom created by our ancestors and fore fathers within the traditional norms and rules of the kingdom. They are not property of the state government or any other private corporate entity that is not a creation of the Benin kingdom”

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Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin however said that there is no controversy over the proposed return of the looted Benin artefacts by the Europeans, but the Oba noted that it seems that the monetary attachment to the return of the artefacts is what is attracting some people to begin to form parallel group against the wishes of the palace and entire people of Benin kingdom who are the original owner of the stolen artefacts.

The Benin Monarch made it known that the looted artefacts which is awaiting repatriation from Europe are the cultural heritage of the Benin kingdom, pointing out that the only legitimate destination for the artefacts is the Benin Royal Museum that will be located within the precinct of the palace of the Oba of Benin, which is the proper traditional institution that is the custodian of all the cultural heritage of Benin kingdom.

The Omo N’Oba however advised anyone , group, organisation or government at national and international levels dealing with any artificial group in the process of returning the looted artefacts to note that they are doing so at their own risk and against the will of the people of Benin kingdom.

The palace of the Oba of Benin affirmed that the move by a privately registered company, the Legacy Restoration Trust Limited and the proposed establishment of Edo Museum of West African Arts, EMOWAA are not in consonance with the wishes of the Oba and the people of Benin kingdom.

The Benin Monarch expressed surprise at the attitude of Governor Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki who suddenly made a twist after he had resolved to work with the palace to actualise the laudable wish of Oba Erediauwa of blessed memory to construct a Benin Royal Museum. “It is pertinent to note that shortly after my ascension to the throne I had several discussions with the Governor (Obaseki) on the plan for the Benin Royal Museum and he expressed his readiness to work with the palace to actualise this laudable wish of my father. I made efforts to acquire additional plots of land for this purpose”

Be that as it may, the sudden twist by Governor Obaseki have been viewed by many Benin people as betrayal of trust and confidence and a display of disrespect for the revered Benin Monarch. The action of Governor Obaseki had generated wide spread condemnation and protest from Benin people at home and in diaspora. Various groups like Benin Solidarity Movement BSM, Edo Youth for Truth, Coalition of Benin Youth Group, National Union of Edo South Youths, have protested in words and action against what they described as sacrilegious act by the Governor against the Benin throne.  The palace of the Oba of Benin however advised Governor Obaseki to review his approach of using the Legacy Restoration Trust Limited and the Edo Museum of West African Arts EMOWAA, and collaborate with the Oba palace in line with earlier agreement.

However, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II says no controversy, describing Benin people as peaceful. Omo N’Oba urged those concern not to be greedy and should do the right thing, adding that those who have ears should hear.

At this point it should be reiterated that Oba Ewuare II had been in the forefront for the campaign to return the looted artefacts. In order to successfully prosecute the campaign, His Royal Majesty constituted the Benin Dialogue Group BDG to continue to dialogue with the various Europeans in the custody of the Benin artefacts. It was the BDG which has the Oba as its chairman that came up with the idea to construct the Benin Royal Museum.

Nevertheless, the Benin Monarch thanked Governor Obaseki for joining the struggle and showing commitment to retrieve the Benin stolen cultural heritage from Europe. The Omo N’Oba also thanked the federal government for its commitment at getting unconditional return of the Benin artefacts, and for guaranteeing its full custody for their onward transmission to Benin kingdom and its original owner (the Oba of Benin). He also expressed gratitude to the German government for its interest and willingness to return the Benin artefacts in their custody.

Meanwhile, Governor Godwin Obaseki upon his return from a trip to Germany to further negotiate and dialogue for the return of the Benin artefacts said he is not and will not in any way engage in argument or confrontation with the Benin Monarch over the Benin artefacts. In a statement endorsed by Secretary to State Government Barr. Osarodion Ogie, the governor explained that his action was not selfish or against that of the palace, but in the interest of the state and the people.

Barr Ogie said the state government noted the media statement by the palace on the dispute, which appears to have created the impression that there is a major conflict between the interests of the Edo government and His Royal Majesty, with regard to the laudable national milestone of having our highly-valued artefacts returned home to Nigeria. He unfolded plans to secure a private audience with the monarch to deepen discussion on the artefacts, in order to put an end to the vexed issue.

In the statement Governor Obaseki ordered that on no account should anyone, whether in government or acting independently, engage in disrespectful exchanges or altercation with our revered Royal Majesty and the Benin Royal Palace, pointing out that 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. According to the governor “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 statement specifically noted that the governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has displayed and will continue to display immense respect for our traditional institutions.

Governor Obaseki expresses his gratitude to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR), the 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 royal palace of the Oba of Benin and all stakeholders who contributed to the successes so far recorded in the endeavour, Governor Obaseki assured that he would continue to work assiduously with all local and international stakeholders for the eventual and final return of the valued records of the great and glorious heritage back to Benin, for the benefit of all Edo people, Nigerians and the black race.