British government to partner Oba Of Benin’s palace for world class museum

His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, has accepted to collaborate with British Museum to develop a world-class museum that would accommodate the return of stolen artefact from Benin Kingdom in his palace.

The Benin Monarch who spoke during the visit of Hartwig Fischer, Director, British Museum, to his Palace, said, the museum would not only be of benefit to Edo people, but to Nigerians and tourists from all over the world.

The Oba of Benin reiterated the need to return the stolen artefact from the various museums across the world, pointing out that Benin people are emotionally attached to them.

The traditional ruler told Fischer that his Palace is reviving bronze casting guild responsible for producing the artworks.

He commended the group for facilitating Fischer’s visit and the return of the various stolen Benin artefact in British Museum, saying he looks forward to visiting the British Museum.

On the forthcoming launch of The Red Book the Oba disclosed that invitation would be extended to the Director of British Museum, the British government and private art collectors across the world, adding that Benin culture is far from being extinct as erroneously believed by some historians, and academics in some part of the world.

Fischer said he was in the Palace to inquire the possibility of British Museum offering assistance in terms of fundraising and training of personnel for the proposed museum in the Oba’s Palace.

The Director of British Museum also expressed the desire of British Museum to offer assistance to the Oba Ewuare II Foundation, pointing out that they want to interphase with other museums in the world to achieve the noble ideas.

He also indicated interest to support The Red Book, which talk is The Benin Monarch: An Anthology of Benin History” in any way they can.