We’ll Not Fight Oba Of Benin Over Returned Artefacts, Says Obaseki

The Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has said his
administration won’t engage in “disrespectful exchanges” with the
Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, over stolen artefacts.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Secretary to the
Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie.

This was in reaction to a statement issued by the Oba of Benin
asking the Federal Government to temporarily take custody of 1,130
stolen Benin artefacts that are about to be repatriated from
Europe.

This is as the monarch stated that the rightful destination of
the artefacts should be the Benin Royal Museum.

The monarch said this following a statement issued by the Edo
State Government which revealed that a “transformational” museum
would be built in Benin to house the artefacts upon their
return.

Reacting, Ogie in the statement issued on Monday allayed fears
of a conflict between the state government and the Oba of Benin,
adding that Governor Obaseki will maintain his immense respect for
the monarch.

The statement read, “The attention of the Edo State Government
(EDSG) has been drawn to the widely publicised media statement
issued by the Palace of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku
Akpolokpolo, Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.

“It is concerning that the statement appears to have created the
impression that there is a major conflict between the interests of
the EDSG and His Royal Majesty with regards to the laudable
national milestone of having our highly valued artefacts returned
home to Nigeria.

“The Government of Edo State and the Governor have always acted
transparently and in consonance with existing Federal and State
laws in all matters relating to the proposed return of the
artefacts and monuments.

“The actions of the government thus far on this issue have been
driven by selfless, patriotic considerations and in the best
interest of Edo State and Edo people.”

Ogie said, “The Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Mr.
Godwin Obaseki, has displayed and will continue to display immense
respect for our traditional institutions and therefore will
continue to make effort to secure a private audience with His Royal
Majesty to discuss his concerns.”

He continued, “The Governor has consequently ordered that on no
account should anyone, whether in government or acting
independently, engage in disrespectful exchanges and/or altercation
with our revered Royal Majesty and the Benin Royal Palace.

“Governor Obaseki, meanwhile, expresses his gratitude to the
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu
Buhari (GCFR) and Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai
Mohammed and other officials of the federal government for their
patriotic and tireless efforts that have brought us to the verge of
this eagerly anticipated achievement which has remained elusive for
over a century.

“While thanking and congratulating the Federal Government, the
President, the Minister, the Royal Palace of the Oba of Benin and
all stakeholders who have contributed to the successes so far
recorded in this endeavour, the Governor assures that he will
continue to work assiduously with all local and international
stakeholders for the eventual and final return of these valued
records of our great and glorious heritage back to Benin City for
the benefit of ALL Edo people, Nigerians and the black race.”

The Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has said his
administration won’t engage in “disrespectful exchanges” with the
Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, over stolen artefacts.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Secretary to the
Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie.

This was in reaction to a statement issued by the Oba of Benin
asking the Federal Government to temporarily take custody of 1,130
stolen Benin artefacts that are about to be repatriated from
Europe.

This is as the monarch stated that the rightful destination of
the artefacts should be the Benin Royal Museum.

The monarch said this following a statement issued by the Edo
State Government which revealed that a “transformational” museum
would be built in Benin to house the artefacts upon their
return.

Reacting, Ogie in the statement issued on Monday allayed fears
of a conflict between the state government and the Oba of Benin,
adding that Governor Obaseki will maintain his immense respect for
the monarch.

The statement read, “The attention of the Edo State Government
(EDSG) has been drawn to the widely publicised media statement
issued by the Palace of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku
Akpolokpolo, Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.

“It is concerning that the statement appears to have created the
impression that there is a major conflict between the interests of
the EDSG and His Royal Majesty with regards to the laudable
national milestone of having our highly valued artefacts returned
home to Nigeria.

“The Government of Edo State and the Governor have always acted
transparently and in consonance with existing Federal and State
laws in all matters relating to the proposed return of the
artefacts and monuments.

“The actions of the government thus far on this issue have been
driven by selfless, patriotic considerations and in the best
interest of Edo State and Edo people.”

Ogie said, “The Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Mr.
Godwin Obaseki, has displayed and will continue to display immense
respect for our traditional institutions and therefore will
continue to make effort to secure a private audience with His Royal
Majesty to discuss his concerns.”

He continued, “The Governor has consequently ordered that on no
account should anyone, whether in government or acting
independently, engage in disrespectful exchanges and/or altercation
with our revered Royal Majesty and the Benin Royal Palace.

“Governor Obaseki, meanwhile, expresses his gratitude to the
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu
Buhari (GCFR) and Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai
Mohammed and other officials of the federal government for their
patriotic and tireless efforts that have brought us to the verge of
this eagerly anticipated achievement which has remained elusive for
over a century.

“While thanking and congratulating the Federal Government, the
President, the Minister, the Royal Palace of the Oba of Benin and
all stakeholders who have contributed to the successes so far
recorded in this endeavour, the Governor assures that he will
continue to work assiduously with all local and international
stakeholders for the eventual and final return of these valued
records of our great and glorious heritage back to Benin City for
the benefit of ALL Edo people, Nigerians and the black race.”