Benin Monarch Welcomes Return Of Ancestral Stools

Benin Monarch Welcomes Return Of Ancestral Stools....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The German government has returned two looted royal stools to Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, the Oba of Benin. This event marks significant progress in the restitution of cultural artifacts.

Historical records show that these artifacts, including Bronze and wooden Royal stools (Ekete) created during the reigns of Oba Eresoyen and Oba Esigie, were taken from the Oba’s Palace during the punitive expedition of 1897.

In 2022, German authorities, on behalf of the Nigerian government, handed these artifacts over to the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM).

The Director-General of NCMM, Olugbile Holloway, represented the Federal Government in presenting the stools on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at the Oba of Benin’s Palace in Benin City.

During the presentation, Holloway committed to working closely with the Benin Royal Court to promote and preserve Edo culture and heritage. He noted that the Benin Bronzes and other artworks are steadily being repatriated to Nigeria. “NCMM will collaborate with the Royal Court to establish a destination where people worldwide can appreciate these works,” he said.

He added, “What you see before us were originally taken from the Royal family in 1897. We have a Bronze stool and a wooden stool. Our team is dedicated to supporting the Royal Court in this important initiative. This heritage belongs not only to Benin but to all of Nigeria.”

Following the unveiling, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, the Oba of Benin, expressed his joy with a traditional Benin dance, joined by enthusiastic Chiefs and Royal family members. He offered prayers to God and his ancestors, celebrating the artifacts’ return.

The Oba praised the efforts of the German government, the Federal Government, and NCMM leadership. In a historic gesture, he sat on one of the Royal stools (Ekete) and presented Olugbile Holloway with a white chunk, symbolizing peace and blessings.

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