The Benin Monarch said Benin artefacts were carted away in an unacceptable manner by the Europeans in 1897.
The Oba restated his position during the week while answering question from a correspondent of the British Broadcasting Service (BBC) Zeinab Badawi who was in the Palace with her crew to collect information and materials for the production of a documentary on African history.
Oba Ewuare II said the Palace and the people are very proud of their heritage, especially the artefacts, pointing out that the Palace has embarked on convincing those in possession of the artefacts to return them so that they could be used to equip the Oba Palace Museum.
He however expressed satisfaction that some countries have agreed to return some of the artefacts, and called on the BBC correspondent to use her profession to further mount campaign for the return of the artworks.
The Oba of Benin said the interesting thing is that through these stolen art works, the name of Benin Empire has been spread all over the world.
Oba Ewuare II told the BBC correspondent that the guild of Benin Bronze Casters that produces the art works are still alive and would be encouraged to produce more.
Beyond these, the Omo N’Oba said the Palace was also interested in creating jobs for unemployed youths through art, craft and agriculture, pointing out that investors are required to take advantage of the investment-friendly environment in Benin Kingdom.
Earlier, the BBC correspondent Zeinab Badawi told the Benin King that she was in the Palace for the production of a documentary on African history.
The project, according to her, is about Africa, and that Africans should be able to tell their own history better, as African history has been denigrated by foreigners who had written about it.
Zeinab noted that the documentary will not be complete without including the iconic history of Benin Kingdom which has produced the most celebrated art works over the world.
She commended Oba Ewuare II for the many great and good things he has done in the Kingdom, especially assisting the less privileged and development of the people and the Kingdom.
In another development, the Omo N’Oba also received members of the Divine Smile Foundation International, led by Eric Odigie who were in the Palace to introduce their beauty queens and solicit support.
Mr. Eric Odigie said the foundation shares similar vision with the Oba Ewuare II Foundation especially the promotion of culture and tourism as well as assisting the downtrodden in the society.
The Oba of Benin charged the beauty queens to embark on campaign against human trafficking and illegal migration as well as help in the rehabilitation of victims of human trafficking.
