The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II has celebrated the return of two artefacts by the German government through the National Commission for Museum and Monument NCMM.
The artefacts include wooden and bronze stools used by Oba Esigie and Oba Eresoyen during their coronation in 15 and 17 centuries respectively.
The artefacts and others were looted by the British during their invasion of the Benin Palace in 1897.
The two items were returned to the NCMM on behalf of the Nigerian Government by the German authorities in 2022.
The Director General of NCMMA, Mr. Olugbile Holloway, handed over the repatriated artefacts to the monarch in his palace on behalf of the Federal Government on Saturday, May 18, 2024.
In a speech, Holloway pledged on behalf of NCMM, to work-hand-in hand with the Benin Royal Court in uplifting and displaying Edo heritage.
He revealed that as the Benin Bronzes and other Art works were gradually making their way home to Nigeria, NCMM would join hands with the Royal Court to create a befitting destination around the world to come and appreciate them.
“I have come to the palace to introduce myself and my team to the Oba and to let the Oba know that we are ready to work with the kingdom,” he said.
“Apart from this, I also have a surprise for the Oba and hopefully this will be the beginning of better things to come,” he added.
He said: “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.
“I appreciate you, we will always do what we can do with our powers to make His Royal Majesty lineage in memory.
Receiving the repatriated artifacts, excited Oba Ewuare II with his Chiefs and members of the Royal family, danced joyfully to Benin traditional rendition in a dramatic dance steps and offered prayers to Almighty God and his ancestors.
The revered traditional ruler appreciated the German Government and the Federal Government and the leadership of NCMM for their efforts.
The monarch personally presented a chunk of white, which symbolizes peace and blessings to Holloway.
Oba Ewuare II also prayed for Holloway and his team including the Curator, National Museum, Benin, Mark Olaitan, Director, Legal Services, NCMM, Babatunde Adebiyi on the visit.
