The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has received two artefacts from the University of Iowa Museum, United States of America. The returned artefacts, a mother hen and a bronze plaque, were among the items looted from the Benin palace during the 1897 invasion of the Benin Kingdom by the British.
While receiving the artefacts, Oba Ewuare II acknowledged the role of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who clarified their ownership through a recent gazette before leaving office, Oba Ewuare noted that while his forebears initiated the process of recovering the artefacts, it was during his reign that this significant accomplishment was realised.
He stressed that the artefacts hold more than historical value; “they possess spiritual significance that is not easily understood by mere mortals.”
The monarch also appealed to political leaders to aid in preserving the traditions and customs of the land, stressing that this responsibility should not be left to traditional institutions alone.
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Mr. Cory Gundlach, a curator from the African Art department, assured Oba Ewuare II of his commitment to ensuring that other artefacts held elsewhere are returned to their original home.
He apologised for the use of the artefacts as teaching materials at the university.
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