FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Oba of Benin, Ewuare II has revealed that an international art cartel attempted to re-loot the Benin artefacts but failed, as the government of Netherlands returned 119 looted Benin bronzes to the kingdom.
The monarch reaveled this at a ceremony in his palace on Wednesday to officially receive the artefacts.
AljazirahNigeria recalls that the repatriated artifacts were originally looted during the infamous British invasion of 1897.
The return, according to the monarc, was made possible through sustained advocacy by the Benin Royal Court and formal diplomatic requests from the Nigerian government.
Oba Ewuare II thanked God, President Bola Tinubu and Governor Monday Okpebholo, who stood firm in ensuring that the artefacts were returned rather than diverted through illicit or political means.
According to the monarch, there were groups in the country backed by an international cartel, who conspired to re-loot the artefacts.
The monarch also warned against modern political interests seeking to erode the cultural dignity of Benin people.
In response, the Dutch authorities, through its Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, signed transfer agreements facilitated by Minister Eppo Bruins and Nigeria’s NCMM Director-General, Mr Holloway.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Okpebholo, the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Mr Musa Ikhilor reaffirmed the Edo State government’s commitment to preserve the artefacts and support the palace in building a robust infrastructure for their conservation.
He assured that the state government would continue to collaborate with the federal government and the Benin Royal Court to enhance storage and display systems for the artefacts, with the goal of boosting tourism and cultural heritage preservation in Edo State.
