https://thewillnigeria.com/news/gov-obaseki-assures-oba-of-benin-we-are-on-same-page-on-return-of-stolen-artefacts/

https://www.thecable.ng/breaking-well-not-fight-oba-of-benin-over-returned-artefacts-says-obaseki

https://punchng.com/breaking-edo-wont-fight-oba-of-benin-over-returned-artefacts-says-obaseki/

https://nigerianobservernews.com/2021/07/benin-artefacts-obaseki-will-continue-to-engage-his-royal-majesty-to-secure-final-return/

https://www./2021/07/12/breaking-benin-artifacts-i-will-engage-oba-of-benin-obaseki/

https://gwg.ng/2021/07/12/stolen-artefacts-finally-obaseki-replies-oba-of-benin/

https://www.tracknews.ng/2021/07/breaking-benin-artifacts-i-will-engage-oba-of-benin-obaseki.html

https://www.newsdey.com/breaking-benin-artifacts-i-will-engage-oba-of-benin-obaseki/

Gov Obaseki Assures Oba Of Benin: We Are On Same Page On Return Of Stolen Artefacts

By *THEWILL_* -July 12, 2021

July 12, (THEWILL) – Edo State’s Governor Godwin Obaseki has given assurances that no conflict of interest existed between the government and the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, about the final fate of the 1,130 pieces of artwork stolen to Germany from the ancient Benin Kingdom.

The Governor says he would seek an audience with the Oba to iron out grey areas on the matter and lay the monarch’s fears to rest about the pieces that Germany has said it would repatriate to Nigeria from 2022.

In a statement, titled: “Benin Artefacts: Obaseki Will Continue To Engage His Royal Majesty To Secure Final Return,” the government lamented that recent utterances from the palace appeared to insinuate that the Governor had a rift with the monarch, who has insisted that the art pieces be returned to the kingdom from which the Germans carted them away in 1897.

The Oba N’Edo has insisted that no alternative native authority and custodian of the cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom existed outside the Oba of Benin as constituted by the Royal Palace.

Meanwhile, the Governor has also forbidden state officials and anyone else from joining issues with the palace on the matter.

According to the government’s Monday release, steps taken so far by the Edo government on the returning items were in the best interest of the Edo people.

Signed by Mr. Osarodion Ogie, Secretary to the Edo State Government, the statement read in full: “The attention of the Edo State Government (EDSG) has been drawn to the widely publicized 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.

“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 efforts to secure a private audience with His Royal Majesty to discuss his concerns.

“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 endeavor, 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.”

During a meeting with Chiefs and Dukes, the Oba N’Edo had warned against alleged moves by Obaseki to have the artworks warehoused in a new museum to be known as the “Edo Museum of West African Arts (EMOWAA).

The museum was supposedly being built by the state government in collaboration with a private initiative, the Legacy Restoration Trust Ltd.

Shame to d abocki already rejoicing over the issue.

“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.

Kudos to those working tirelessly to endure the return of the stolen artifacts. Hopefully, the governor and the Oba will reconcile their differences on the matter and come up with an acceptable place that is accessible to both citizens and tourists to warehouse the artifacts.