Looted Artefacts: Oba of Benin notifies Netherlands of FG’s gazette
The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has notified the Netherlands about the federal government’s gazette recognising and vesting custody and managing repatriated looted Benin artefacts in him.
This is contained in a statement on Monday in Benin by Iguobaro Osaigbovo, a media aide to Ewuare II.
The Benin monarch notified the Netherlands ambassador to Nigeria, Wouter Pomp, of the significance of the gazette and presidential declaration when the diplomat paid a courtesy visit to the palace.
He explained that the future of the Benin Bronzes and artefacts were in the gazette, adding that the ownership, custody and management of the artefacts were clearly spelt out, stressing that they “are vested in the Oba as an institution.”
The Benin monarch added, “That is the law.”
According to him, the ongoing plans for constructing the Benin Royal Museum at the instance of the Nigerian government are on course.
The federal government, in notice number 25, in the official gazette, number 57, Volume 110, pages A245 to 247, dated March 23, 2023, the palace of the Oba of Benin and not Governor Godwin Obaseki should be the custodian of the artefacts.
Mr Pomp congratulated the monarch for redirecting the course of history and pledged Netherlands’ support in strengthening Nigeria in employment, migration and cultural diplomacy.
“We are very interested in all the history of the Benin Bronzes, some of which, as you are aware, are still in the Netherlands,” stated the Dutch ambassadors. “Contacts are underway between the Netherlands Commission for Monuments and the Commission for Monuments of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
He added, “There have been meetings between the commissions about the future of the Benin Bronzes.”
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Tinubu advised me never to negotiate with criminals, Gov Ododo says
“I don’t play with criminals, and I don’t negotiate with them. I can tell you that, as far as Kogi State is concerned, we don’t have a department for ransom payment,” he said.
Heading 1
U.S. has spent $37.5 billion on Iran war: Hegseth
“The estimate we have as of today is $37.5 billion,” Mr Hegseth said.
Lagos
Slain Lagos NURTW organising secretary buried amid tears
Mr Ajiboye died days after he was attacked by gunmen.
Africa
144 refugees, migrants dead, missing off Mauritania coast: UNHCR
“The refugees and migrants were reported dead or missing after attempting the perilous sea journey from West Africa towards Europe,” the agency said.
World
U.S. govt condemns Ortega’s ban on elections in Nicaragua
Mr Rubio urged the international community to rise against Mr Ortega’s dictatorship.
World
Zelensky sacks Ukraine’s top general after firing defence minister
Mr Syrskyi’s dismissal came days after Mr Zelensky fired Ukraine’s defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, a decision that sparked protests across the country.
