His Royal Majesty the Oba of Benin oba ewuare 11, will on Monday December 13, 2021, receive the two Benin bronzes recently handed over by Jesus collage, Cambridge in Britain and university of Aberdeen in Scotland, in his palace in Benin city, Edo state capital.
This is as a result of the directive of President Muhammedu Buhari to the Nigeria high Commission to Britain to Commence the return of the artifact looted from the palace of the Oba of Benin, in 1897 by the British government, by personally returning them to His Royal Majesty the Oba of Benin.
The Oba stated this in a press statement issue by the Benin traditional Council and signed by its secretary, Mr. Frank Irabor.
His Excellency, the Nigeria High Commission to Britain will personally present the returned artifacts to the Oba Monday December 13, in the palace of the Oba, in benin city.
According to the statement, “this very unique and auspicious occasion would take place on Monday, 13th December, 2021 at 11am prompt in Oba palace, Benin City.
“Furthermore, this very traditional and Royal event will also be an occasion to mark the fifth coronation anniversary of Royal Majesty which came up on 29th October, 2021, which celebration was postponed.”
“The general public is hereby invited to join His Royal Majesty in receiving the Benin Bronze cast of Okpa “Cockerel” and Benin Bronze burst of an Oba both from Jesus College, Cambridge in Britain and Aberdeen in Scotland.”
The statement further said, “His Royal Majesty, Benin Royal family and the good people of Edo State thank Mr. President for this directive. This further shows that the federal government is only constitutional authority to receive in custody Benin bronzes and other artefacts before being sent their original owner, the Oba of Benin.”
“All invited guest are to be seated by 10am.” It said
