FG presents looted artefacts returned by Germany to Oba of Benin

The Federal Government has handed over two looted artefacts returned by Germany to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, in Benin City.

The artefacts were returned to Nigeria and initially kept in the custody of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments(NCMM) in 2022.

The Director-General of NCMM, Mr Olugbile Holloway, presented the artefacts to the Benin monarch in his palace on Saturday.

The returned artefacts – bronze and wooden Royal Stools (Ekete) – according to historical records, were made during the reign of Oba Eresoyen and Oba Esigie several centuries ago.

The artefacts were looted from the Oba’s Palace in the British punitive expedition during the reign of Oba Ovoranmwen Nogbasi.

Speaking at the presentation of the artefacts to the Oba of Benin, Holloway pledged, on behalf of NCMM, to work-hand-in hand with the Benin Royal Court in uplifting and displaying Edo heritage.

Holloway disclosed that the Benin Bronzes and other artworks looted from Nigeria by the colonial masters are gradually making their way back to the country.

He assured that the Commission would join hands with the Royal Court to create a befitting destination for people around the world to come and appreciate the art works.

“What you see before us were originally taken away from the Royal family in 1897. We have a stool made of bronze and a wooden stool.

“I speak for every member of my team to say that we remain loyal to the Royal Court and if there is anything we can do, we will do to support this laudable initiative.

“This heritage is not just Benin heritage, but Nigeria’s heritage. When we speak of Benin heritage, there is nobody that doesn’t know the great works of ours,” he said.

Responding, the Oba of Benin appreciated the German Government, the Federal Government of Nigeria and the NCMM leadership for their efforts.

The royal father, who danced joyfully to Benin traditional renditions, offered prayers to Almighty God and his ancestors.

The monarch, in a historic move, sat on one of the royal stools (Ekete), during the ceremony.