The Government of Edo State has restored the full statutory rights of His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba N’Edo Ukuakpolokpolo Oba Ewuare the Second over ownership of ancient artifacts looted from the palace of the Oba of Benin during the 1897 Benin Massacre by the British colonial forces.
Also, the Government of the State has withdrawn the letter revoking the concession of the Oba Akenzua the Second Cultural Centre issued by the last administration to be used as a motor park.
A statement by Mr. Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of the State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, says the administration is restoring the centre to a suitable condition for its original purpose, while the Government has similarly abolished the new traditional councils in Edo South, created by the last administration.
Accordingly, Governor Okpebholo has restored the statutory financial entitlements of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) and has ordered that the status quo before the creation of the now-abolished councils be maintained.
The statement adds that the Government, under the leadership of Senator Monday Okpebholo, is backing the initial plan of the State Government to build the Benin Royal Museum that will house the returned artifacts and is distancing itself from the Museum of West African Art, which the previous administration fronted as the museum to hold the returned Benin artifacts.
The Federal Government has also issued a gazette for the recognition of ownership and custody of the repatriated Benin artifacts to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare the Second.
