Posted by The two stolen artifacts that Germany restored to Oba Ewuare II of Benin have been presented to him in Benin City by the Federal Government.
According to 460PLAY, the artifacts were first held by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) in 2022 before being restored to Nigeria.
On Saturday, May 18, 2024, the artifacts were given to the Benin king at his palace by Mr. Olugbile Holloway, the Director-General of NCMM.
The artifacts that have been returned were crafted under the reign of Oba Eresoyen and Oba Esigie some centuries ago; they are royal stools made of wood and brass (Ekete).
During the reign of Oba Ovoranmwen Nogbasi, the artifacts were stolen from the palace during the British punitive expedition.
As part of NCMM’s commitment to collaborating with the Benin Royal Court to promote and showcase Edo history, Holloway made a solemn vow at the artifact presentation to the Oba of Benin.
According to Holloway, some of the treasures stolen from Nigeria by the colonial powers, such the Benin Bronzes, are slowly making their way back home.
He promised that the Commission will work with the Royal Court to make the venue suitable for visitors from all over the globe to enjoy the artwork.
It was in 1897 when these items were initially confiscated from the royal family. We possess both a wooden and a bronze stool.
I think it’s safe to say that the whole workforce here is still quite devoted to the Royal Court. Also, we will provide our support to this admirable effort in any way we can.
This legacy is the heritage of Nigeria, not alone Benin. “When we talk about our heritage as Benin, nobody doesn’t know about our great works,” he declared.
In response, the Oba of Benin expressed gratitude to the German government, the Nigerian federal government, and the NCMM leadership for all their hard work.
As he happily danced to traditional Benin music, the royal father prayed to God and his ancestors.
For the first time in royal history, the king sat on an ekete, or royal stool, throughout the ritual.