‘Looted ancestral stools’ return to Oba of Benin

Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin, has taken custody of two looted royal stools from the German government, symbolising a significant step in the right direction.

This was disclosed in a statement made available to newsmen in Benin by the Chief Press Secretary to the Oba of Benin, Osaigbovo Iguobaro.

Historical records reveal that the artefacts — bronze and wooden royal stools (Ekete), made during the reigns of Oba Eresoyen and Oba Esigie several centuries ago, were looted from the Oba Palace during the punitive expedition in 1897.

The artefacts were handed over to the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) on behalf of the Nigerian government by the German authorities in 2022.

The Director-General of the NCMM, Mr Olugbile Holloway, made the presentation on behalf of the federal government on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at the Oba of Benin Palace, Benin City.

Addressing the Benin monarch during the presentation, Mr Holloway pledged, on behalf of the NCMM, to work hand-in-hand with the Benin Royal Court in uplifting and displaying Edo heritage.

He revealed that as the Benin Bronzes and other artworks are gradually making their way home to Nigeria, “NCMM will join hands with the Royal Court to create a befitting destination for people around the world to come and appreciate these works.”

“What you see before us were originally taken away from the royal family in 1897. We have a stool made of bronze and a wooden stool. I speak for every member of my team, to say that we remain loyal to the Royal Court. And if there is anything we can do, we will do to support this laudable initiative. This heritage is not just Benin’s heritage, but Nigeria’s heritage. When we speak of Benin heritage, there is nobody that doesn’t know the great works of ours. I appreciate you, and we will always do what we can within our powers to honour His Royal Majesty’s lineage in memory,” he said.

After unveiling the repatriated artefacts, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin, danced joyfully to a Benin traditional rendition in dramatic steps, with excited chiefs and members of the royal family offering prayers to Almighty God and his ancestors.

The monarch, visibly overwhelmed with joy, appreciated the German government, the federal government, and the NCMM leadership for their efforts. In a rare, but historic move, he sat on one of the royal stools (Ekete) and personally presented a chunk of white chalk, symbolising peace and blessings, to the Director-General of the NCMM, Mr. Olugbile Holloway.

Oba Ewuare II also prayed for Mr. Holloway and his team, accompanied by the Curator of the National Museum, Benin, Mr. Mark Olaitan, and Director of Legal Services, NCMM, Barrister Babatunde Adebiyi. Royal drummers gave a good account of their stewardship during the visit.