*The National Commission for Museums and Monuments notes historical records indicate the returned artefacts, including Bronze and wooden Royal stools (Ekete), made during the reign of Oba Eresoyen and Oba Esigie, were looted from the Oba of Benin鈥檚 Palace during the 1897 punitive British expedition, in Benin Kingdom, in Edo State of Nigeria

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

Well over a century of the vicious looting of the people鈥檚 cultural heritage by the colonial masters, Omo N鈥� Oba N鈥� Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, the Oba of Benin, finally, has taken custody of two stolen Royal stools from the German Government in a symbolic milestone.

It was gathered that historical records indicated the artefacts, including Bronze and wooden Royal stools (Ekete), were made during the reign of Oba Eresoyen and Oba Esigie several centuries ago, were looted from the Oba鈥檚 Palace during the punitive British expedition in 1897, in Benin, current Edo State capital.

绿帽献妻 reports the German authorities, in 2022, had handed over the artefacts to the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) on behalf of the Nigerian Government.

Mr Olugbile Holloway, Director-General of National Commission for Museums and Monuments, made the official presentation of the repatriated items on behalf of the Federal Government Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Oba of Benin鈥檚 Palace, in Benin City, Edo State capital.

Addressing the Benin throne during the presentation of the artefacts, Holloway pledged on behalf of NCMM, to work closely with the Benin Royal Court in uplifting and displaying Edo culture and heritage.

He also affirmed that as the Benin Bronzes and other Artworks are gradually making their way home to Nigeria, 鈥淣CMM will join hands with the Royal Court to create a befitting destination for people around the world to come and appreciate these works.鈥�

The Diriector-General of NCMM stated: 鈥淲hat 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.

鈥淚 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.

鈥淭his heritage is not just Benin heritage, but Nigeria鈥檚 heritage. When we speak of Benin heritage, there is nobody that doesn鈥檛 know the great works of ours.

鈥淚 appreciate you, we will always do what we can do with our powers to make His Royal Majesty lineage in memory.鈥�

Omo N鈥� Oba N鈥� Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin, after unveiling the repatriated artefacts, reportedly danced joyfully to Benin traditional rendition in dramatic dance steps, with excited Chiefs and members of the Royal family and offered prayers to God and 鈥渉is ancestors鈥�.

Overwhelmed with joy, the Royal Father appreciated the German Government, the Federal Government of Nigeria and NCMM leadership for their efforts in this regard.

In a historic move, the Oba later sat on one of the Royal stools (Ekete), and personally presented a chunk of white, which symbolises peace and blessings to Mr. Holloway, report said.

Oba Ewuare II also prayed for the NCMM Chief and his team, accompanied by the Curator, National Museum, in Benin, Mark Olaitan; Director of Legal Services, NCMM, Babatunde Adebiyi, on the visit where Royal Drummers gave a good account of their stewardship.

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