Netherlands’ Govt. returns 119 stolen artefacts to Oba of Benin
By EMMANUEL JIMOH, Benin –
The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has received 119 stolen artefacts from the Government of the Netherlands, attributing the successful return to divine intervention.
He expressed gratitude to Presidents Bola Tinubu and Muhammadu Buhari for their support and commitment.
“There were groups in this country believed to be an international cartel that had all sorts of conspiracy to enable them re-loot our artifacts,” Oba Ewuare said, praising the Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments for his efforts.
The Oba urged youths to remain strong and resilient, emphasizing that the return of the artefacts was a testament to determination and prayer.
“We pray that more artefacts be returned in the future,” he added.
The Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Olugbile Holloway, noted that the 119 artefacts were the largest number received so far.
The Secretary to the Edo State Government, Mr. Musa Ikhilor, pledged to collaborate with the federal government to improve storage and preservation facilities for the artefacts.
The General-Director of Wereld Museum, Marieke Van Bommel, acknowledged that the artefacts were looted and stated that the Netherlands has a policy to return items that do not belong to them.
