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By Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has described the return of 40 Benin artefacts from a Swedish museum as another significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to reclaim the Kingdom’s looted cultural heritage.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa, the Oba disclosed that arrangements had been concluded for the legal and physical handover of approximately 40 Benin artefacts from a Swedish museum.
He described the development as the outcome of years of sustained efforts by his ancestors, particularly his grandfather and father, to secure the return of the Kingdom’s treasured cultural objects.
According to the Oba, the process of reclaiming the artefacts dates back several decades, with his grandfather initiating efforts, followed by his father, whose commitment helped lay the foundation for the progress being recorded today.
He recalled how his diplomatic engagements as Nigeria’s ambassador to Scandinavian countries, including Sweden, Norway and Denmark, provided opportunities to advance the campaign for the restitution of Benin artefacts.
The monarch particularly recounted an encounter with the King of Sweden who, contrary to the usual brief diplomatic audience of two or three minutes, granted him an audience lasting more than 12 minutes.
He described the encounter as a memorable moment in the continuing engagement over the return of Benin cultural heritage.
Oba Ewuare II expressed delight that the longstanding efforts were now yielding tangible results, noting that the forthcoming handover would be particularly significant because it would involve both the legal transfer of ownership and the physical delivery of the artefacts.
He explained that previous restitution arrangements often involved separate stages, with legal ownership transferred before the physical delivery of the objects.
However, the forthcoming exercise would see both processes undertaken together.
The Oba said he considered the occasion important enough to adjust his schedule to participate personally in the historic event and to ensure that members of the Benin traditional institution were adequately represented.
He also commended those who had contributed to the restitution campaign, stressing that the recovery of the artefacts was not merely about bringing back physical objects but about restoring the history, identity and cultural dignity of the Benin people.
The Oba expressed gratitude to God Almighty and his ancestors for the progress made, while reaffirming his commitment to sustaining the campaign until more of the Kingdom’s stolen heritage is returned home.
