The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II has expressed surprise and delight over the return of two artefacts by the German government through the Director General, National Commission for Museum and Monument, Olugbile Holloway today, Saturday.
The artefacts include: wooden and bronze stools, said to have been used by Oba Esigie and Oba Eresonye between the 15th and 17th Centuries were brought to the palace by Holloway.
They were said to have been looted alongside other works in the British 1897 invasion of the Benin palace.
The two items were handed over to the NCMM on behalf of the Nigerian government by the German authorities in 2022.
The Director-General of the NCMM, Mr. Olugbile Holloway, made the presentation on behalf of the Federal Government today, Saturday.
Oba Ewuare II, who was overwhelmed with joy, thanked Holloway for the surprise, saying, “You don’t know what you have done but I am really grateful for this gesture.”
To further demonstrate his appreciation to Holloway, the Oba gave the DG a large chunk of white chalk.
Holloway, who said he was at the palace to introduce himself to the Oba, having assumed office recently, told the Oba that he was also at the palace with a surprise for the monarch.
Holloway then opened the box to reveal the two stools to the amazement of the Oba who broke into a dance and was joined by other subjects in the palace.
According to Holloway, “I have come to the palace to introduce myself and my team to the Oba and to let the Oba know that we are ready to work with the kingdom.
“Apart from this, I also have a surprise for the Oba and hopefully this will be the beginning of better things to come,” he added.
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