Benin City: Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, on Thursday, received 119 stolen artefacts from the Government of the Netherlands. Oba Ewuare attributed the successful return of the artefacts to divine intervention, while thanking President Bola Tinubu and former President Muhamadu Buhari for their support and commitment.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Oba Ewuare emphasized that both Tinubu and Buhari played crucial roles in ensuring that the artefacts were not looted again. He mentioned that there were groups believed to be an international cartel conspiring to re-loot the artefacts. The Oba expressed gratitude to the government of the Netherlands for their cooperation, stating that the gesture had revitalized the courage and morale of the Benin people.
He also commended the Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments for his relentless efforts in retrieving the artefacts. Oba Ewuare called on the youth to remain strong and resilient in adversity, highlighting that the return of the artefacts was a testament to the power of determination and prayer. He conducted a prayer session with the officials of the commission, expressing hope for the future return of more artefacts.
Earlier, the Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Olugbile Holloway, revealed that the commission and the Benin Royal Palace are diligently working to ensure more stolen artefacts are returned. Holloway pointed out that the 119 artefacts mark the largest number of returned stolen artefacts thus far.
The Edo Governor, Monday Okpebholo, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Musa Ikhilor, pledged collaboration with the Federal Government to enhance the storage system for the artefacts. The state committed to constructing necessary facilities to preserve these important items.
The General-Director of the Wereld Museum, Marieke Van Bommel, clarified that the artefacts were looted, and noted the Netherlands’ policy to return possessions that do not belong to them. She mentioned that while more collections exist in Europe, they are not under their jurisdiction.
