…Will continue to engage His Royal Majesty to secure final return
Edo State Government’s actions so far on the return of looted Benin Artefacts have been driven by selfless, patriotic considerations and in the best interest of Edo State and Edo people, Governor Obaseki said in a statement issued by the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq on Monday.
In the statement, the Government said Governor Godwin Obaseki will continue to engage with His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, to secure the final return of Benin artefacts to the state.
It is the first public response by the administration since the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II went public to denounce the plan by the administration to have the artefacts domiciled in the state’s proposed Edo Museum of West African Art (EMOWA) under the entity of Legacy Restoration Trust Ltd., as opposed to the Benin Place’s plan of Benin Royal Museum to be sited within the precincts of the palace under Oba Ewuare II Foundation.
Edo State Government’s statement reads: “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.”
Ogie noted, “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,” he added.
The Secretary to the State Government said Governor Obaseki expresses his gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari and 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 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 endeavour, 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,” he noted.
