Okpebholo grants Oba of Benin exclusive custody of returned artefacts

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has officially granted full ownership rights over repatriated Benin artefacts to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.

In a statement issued by Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary, the governor emphasized his administration’s commitment to honoring the cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom and reversing contentious decisions made by the previous administration.

Governor Okpebholo affirmed that the state recognizes Oba Ewuare II as the sole custodian of the returned artefacts looted during the 1897 Benin massacre by British colonial forces.

This decision aligns with a Federal Government gazette that acknowledges the Oba’s authority over the artefacts.

The governor further restored the statutory financial entitlements of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), abolished the new traditional councils created in Edo South by the previous administration, and pledged to maintain the original status quo of traditional governance in the state.

In a significant policy shift, Okpebholo revoked the concession of the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre, which had been converted into a motor park under the last administration.

The centre will now be restored to its original purpose as a cultural hub for the state.

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The administration also distanced itself from the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), a project championed by the former government, reaffirming its support for the proposed Benin Royal Museum.

The museum, to be built within the Oba of Benin’s palace vicinity, will house the returned artefacts, as stipulated by Oba Ewuare II.

Governor Okpebholo pledged to respect and uphold the rights and privileges of the Oba of Benin as the custodian of the customs and traditions of the Benin people.

“My administration is committed to non-interference in the internal affairs of the Benin Traditional Council and fully supports the Oba as the true custodian of Benin heritage,” the statement read.

The artefacts in question were part of the treasures looted during the 1897 Benin invasion by British forces, an event that saw thousands of cultural relics destroyed or stolen.

In 2021, the German government pledged to return 1,130 looted Benin bronzes, with the repatriation beginning in 2022.

While the previous Edo State administration, led by Governor Godwin Obaseki, had proposed a new museum project to house the artefacts, Oba Ewuare II insisted that the rightful location for the treasures was the Benin Royal Museum under his custodianship.

Governor Okpebholo’s decisions signal a renewed focus on preserving and promoting the cultural identity of the Benin Kingdom while fostering cooperation between the state government and traditional institutions.

These measures are expected to strengthen ties with the Benin royal family and ensure the artefacts are celebrated as symbols of Nigeria’s rich cultural history.