Return of looted artifacts: Benin monarch urges German govt to engage with palace alone
The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewaure II has advised the Government of Germany to directly engage the palace as it plans to return looted artifacts to Benin kingdom.
Oba Ewaure II gave the advice on Thursday in Benin when he received delegations of the German government led by Andreas Görgen, directorgeneral of the directorate general for culture and communications of the German foreign office.
According to the Oba, the prestigious Benin artifacts were largely looted from the Benin Kingdom during the British expedition in 1897 and should be returned to the original owner.
He explained that the recovered Benin artifacts would be displayed at the Benin royal museum proposed by the Benin dialogue group as against the Edo Museum for West African Arts (EMOWAA) being propagated by some group of persons.
The Benin Monarch, while describing the looted artifacts as having deep spiritual, religious significance to the palace, urged the German delegation to deal directly with the Oba Ewaure II foundation as they plan to return the artworks.
He said when the artifacts are returned, the palace would set up a secured, structured museum that will showcase its rich history and culture as well as enhance the tourist sector.
“We have been working hard for the repatriation and it goes back to our ancestors. We are proud the Benin was able to craft these artworks to the world.
“You must deal with Oba Ewaure II Foundation and anything else is not appropriate. We do not want any 3rd party to collect or be in custody of our artifacts on behalf of our people,” he said.
The royal father continued, “I know the sensitivity of this matter and how my people feel about a third party. I want to appeal to the delegation to make a very proper representation on our behalf.
“We are grateful to Edo State government and the Federal Government for supporting our quest to return these artifacts. These are recognition of our craftsmanship from days back.”
Earlier, Andreas Görgen, director-general of the directorate general for Culture and Communications of the German foreign office said that they are on a fact-finding mission, assuring that they would look into the observation made by the Benin monarch for the return of the artifacts.