The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, says the custody of the repatriated Benin artefacts has been resolved by the Federal Government, stressing that there is no further debate on the matter.
The Oba made the clarification in his palace on Friday during a meeting with the Netherlands Ambassador to Nigeria, Wouter Plomp, saying the Federal Government had rightly recognized the importance of the repatriated artefacts being in the custody of the Oba of Benin.
Recall that the Federal Government on March 23, 2023 in page A245-247 of No. 25 had a raging tussle between the Oba and the Governor of Edo State. About whom Obaseki, custodian of repatriated artifacts.
Responding to comments made by the Dutch ambassador on the future of repatriated Benin bronzes, Oba Ewuare II said the future of Benin bronzes and artefacts is in the magazine.
The Oba said: “Ownership, care and management of the arts are clearly stated, and that belongs to the Oba as an institution. That is the law.
“Ongoing plans to build the Benin Royal Museum Project, at the request of the Nigerian government, are on the way. It’s a Federal Government project, and we’ve been at it for a long time.”
Addressing the throne of Benin earlier, the ambassador commended Oba Ewuare II for redirecting the course of history.
He pledged his country’s support to strengthen Nigeria in the areas of employment and cultural diplomacy.
“We are very interested in all the history of Benin bronzes, some of which are still in Holland. Contacts are ongoing between the Netherlands Monuments Commission and the Federal Republic of Nigeria Monuments Commission.
“Meetings have been held between the committees on the future of the Benin Bronzes,” added Plomp.
