Europeans took away Benin artefacts in an unacceptable manner- Oba Ewuare alleges
ABIODUN JIMOH, BENIN CITY
Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has reiterated that Benin artefacts carted away in 1877 were taken away in an unacceptable manner by the Europeans.
The Benin monarch stated this while answering question from a correspondent of the British Broadcasting Service (BBC) Zeinab Badawi who was in the palace with her crew to gather information and materials for the production of a documentary on African history.
Oba Ewuare II said the palace and the people are very proud of their heritage, especially the artefacts, pointing out that the palace has embarked on convincing those in possession of the artefact to return it so that it could be used to equip the Oba Palace Museum.
His Royal Majesty however expressed satisfaction that some countries have agreed to return some of the artefacts, and called on the BBC correspondent to use his profession to further mount campaign for the return of the art works.
The Oba of Benin said the interesting thing is that through these stolen art works, the name of Benin Empire has been spread all over the world.
Oba Ewuare II told the BBC correspondent that the Guild of Benin Bronze Casters that produces the art works are still alive and would be encouraged to produce more.
Beyond these, the Omo N’Oba said the palace is also interested in creating jobs for employed youths through art, craft and agriculture, pointing out that investors are required to take advantage of the investment friendly environment in Benin Kingdom.
Earlier, the BBC correspondent Zeinab Badawi told His Royal Majesty that she was in the palace for the production of a documentary on African history.
She said the project is about Africa, and that Africans should be able to tell their own history better, as African history has been denigrated by foreigners who had written about it.
Zeinab noted that the documentary will not be complete without including the iconic history of Benin Kingdom which has produced the most celebrated art works over the world.
She commended Oba Ewuare II for the many great and good things he has done in the Kingdom, especially assisting the less privileged and development of the people and the Kingdom.
The Omo N’Oba also received Divine Smile Foundation International led by Eric Odigie, who were in the Palace to introduce their beauty queens and solicit for support.
Mr. Eric Odigie said the foundation share similar vision with the Oba Ewuare II Foundation especially the promotion of culture and tourism as well as assisting the downtrodden in the society.
The Oba of Benin charged the beauty queens to embark on campaign against human trafficking and illegal migration as well as help in the rehabilitation of victims of human trafficking.
