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UK set to return two more looted artefacts to Oba of Benin

There will be a handing over ceremony on Saturday between the British High Commissioner to Nigeria and the Oba of Benin.

• February 15, 2022
Benin bronze of Okpa 'Cockerel'
Benin bronze of Okpa ‘Cockerel’

The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, will on Saturday take physical possession of another two bronzes from Cambridge and Aberdeen in the United Kingdom.

A statement issued by Frank Irobor, the secretary to the Benin Traditional Council, on Tuesday, said that the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, would return the artefacts to the Oba of Benin.

“The general public is hereby invited to join His Royal Majesty in receiving the Benin bronzes of Okpa ‘Cockerel’ and the bronze burst of an Oba (Uhunilao) both from Jesus College, Cambridge in Britain and Aberdeen in Scotland, respectively.

“The general public is invited to the physical handing over of the Benin bronze artefacts to the Oba of Benin.

“All invited guests are to be seated by 11:00 a.m,” the statement read in part.

(NAN)

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