By Owen Eresoyen, Benin
His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, has revealed that an international art cartel had attempted to re-loot the Benin artefacts, but failed, as the Government of Netherlands had in a resounding cultural and diplomatic victory, returned 119 looted Benin bronzes to the Ancient Kingdom.
The Monarch made this declaration at a ceremony held at his Palace on Wednesday in Benin City to officially receive the artefacts returned by the Netherlands.
Recall that the repatriated artifacts, were originally looted during the infamous British invasion of 1897.
The return, according to the Oba, was made possible through sustained advocacy by the Benin Royal Court and formal diplomatic requests from the Nigerian Government.
Expressing profound gratitude, Oba Ewuare II thanked God Almighty, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Monday Okpebholo, who stood firm in ensuring the artefacts were returned rather than diverted through illicit or political means.
According to the Monarch, there were groups in this country, backed by an international cartel, who conspired to re-loot our artefacts. They hatched a strategy to steal these treasures again, but they failed. Our ancestors protected them,” the Oba declared.
Adding that, they tried to extinguish the spirit and morale of the Benin people. But the people of this great kingdom have remained bold, brave, and courageous, even after the tragedy of 1897.
The Monarch also warned against modern political interests seeking to erode the cultural dignity of the Benin people.
“We must not allow partisan politics to diminish our heritage. I thank Governor Monday Okpebholo, ably represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor for joining us in this historic celebration,” he said.
The Oba did not mince words in commending NCMM DG Olugbile Holloway for his committed role in the repatriation process, while drawing a sharp contrast with Holloway’s predecessor, whom he accused of complicity in the failed re-looting attempt.
“We fought a running battle to stop those bent on re-looting. I told my Chiefs right here that I would rather the artefacts remain abroad than be re-looted while I sit on the throne,” the Monarch stated firmly.
“There was once a government that sought to destabilize the Benin Kingdom, but our ancestors rose and defended the realm.”
In response, the Dutch authorities, through their 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 Monday Okpebholo, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Musa Ikhilor reaffirmed the Edo State Government’s commitment to preserving the artefacts and supporting the palace in building robust infrastructure for their conservation.
“This is a moment of pride for the State, a historic triumph, 128 years in the making. It attests to the indomitable spirit of the Edo people, whose relentless advocacy has culminated in the return of these artefacts to their rightful home,” Ikhilor said.
