Obaseki succumbs, collaborates with Oba Ewuare II to build Benin Royal Museum

Governor Godwin Obaseki has succumbed to pressures and retracted his step from diverting the destination of looted Benin artifacts anticipated to be returned from Europe. Governor Obaseki who had earlier insisted on keeping the returning Benin artifact in the custody of the Legacy Restoration Trust, however, disclosed last Thursday that the Edo State Government is collaborating with the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, and other stakeholders in Benin Kingdom to build the Benin Royal Meseum proposed by the Oba.

Governor Obaseki in a broadcast on his social media page, explained why the state government is building the Benin Royal Museum.

The governor stated that the museum will conserve the artifacts and make the state a destination of choice for tourists from across the globe.

Governor Obaseki at a breakfast meeting with the Benin Dialogue Group (BDG) at the Government House, G.R.A., Benin City, declared: “the state government is collaborating with the Benin Monarch, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, and other stakeholders to build a world-class royal museum to hold stolen artifacts from the Benin kingdom.

“The museum will conserve the artifacts and make the state a destination of choice for tourists from across the globe.”

Governor Obaseki commended members of the Benin Dialogue Group for engaging with the state government on efforts to construct the Benin Royal Museum as proposed by the Oba of Benin. The governor maintained that artworks from the Benin Kingdom have gained global recognition with potential to develop the state’s tourism sector.

Governor Obaseki cited the museum in advanced countries of the world from Europe to America where there is always the African section, noting that artworks from the Benin Kingdom are always seen on display.

The decision resolves the controversies over the destination and custody of the returning Benin artifacts from Germany.