Return Our Stolen Artifacts, Oba OF Bini Monarch Tells British Govt

By Monady Ebalu
Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku-Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare N’Ogidigan  11 has told the British government to return all the Benin artworks illegally carted away  by the British and other European countries during colonial rule in Nigeria
Omo N’Oba said the Benin artifacts which are the best works of art in the world were largely looted by whites during the Bini invasion in the 14th century
The royal father said this at his palace in Benin city  when he played host to the deputy British High commissioner to Nigeria, Laure Beaufiks            
 
             
The Bini monarch also told the British deputy High Commissioner that the palace will seek cooperation with British authority to ensure return of all artifact stolen from the kingdom which represent the Bini identity and culture
 
Oba Ewuare N’Ogidigan 11, volunteered the palace collaboration with the British government in the battle against human trafficking, prostitution and illegal migration which is currently ravaging the nation
He maintained that the palace is working out several measures, including skill acquisition and agro businesses to turn youth’s attention away from illegal migration and other social vices
He however solicited the cooperation of the British government in the area of development and export of artifacts and tourism, adding that the palace authority is developing an international museum gallery center where most Bini arts will be displayed.
Earlier the visitor, Laaure Beaufiks, told the monarch that she was in his palace to seek collaboration with the palace authority in combating human trafficking, prostitution and illegal migration.
The British deputy high commissioner said, when curbed, would save lives and prevent diseases
The Omo N’Oba, also assured the visitor of his full support to achieve her goals in Nigeria.
 
It would be recalled that the British government had earlier in 2015 returned some of the artifacts, Ahianmwen – Orhor (ancient bird) and Agogo (Traditional bell) which were looted during invasion of the kingdom.

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