Looted Ancestral Stools Return To Oba Of Benin

In a historic development, Omo N' Oba N' Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin has seized two stolen royal stools from the German government.

Historical accounts state that during the punitive expedition in 1897, the artifacts—bronze and wooden royal stools, or ekete—made several centuries ago under the reigns of Oba Eresoyen and Oba Esigie were taken from the Oba's palace.

The German authorities turned them over to the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) in 2022 on behalf of the Nigerian government.

On behalf of the Federal Government, Mr. Olugbile Holloway, Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, gave the presentation on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Oba of Benin's Palace in Benin City.

Speaking before the Benin throne at the artefact presentation, Mr. Holloway promised that NCMM would collaborate closely with the Benin Royal Court to promote and showcase Edo culture and heritage.

He disclosed that "NCMM will join hands with the Royal Court to create a befitting destination for people around the world to come and appreciate these works," as the Benin Bronzes and other artwork are gradually making their way back to Nigeria.

The Royal family was originally deprived of what you see in front of you in 1897. We have a wooden stool and a bronze stool. I can speak for my entire staff when I declare that we will always be devoted to the Royal Court. Additionally, if there is anything we can do, we will do to support this laudable initiative.
This heritage includes both Nigerian and Beninan heritage. Everyone knows our amazing works when we talk about our heritage from Benin. Thank you; we will always use our resources to preserve His Royal Majesty's lineage," he remarked.

Following the exhibition of the returned artefacts, the Chiefs and other members of the Royal family, along with Omo N' Oba N' Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin, danced merrily to the traditional Benin rendition while offering prayers to the Almighty God and his ancestors.

Overcome with happiness, the first-class traditional ruler thanked the leadership of the NCMM, the German government, and the Federal government for their efforts.

Following that, the Royal father made an uncommon but historic gesture by sitting on one of the royal stools (Ekete) and giving Mr. Olugbile Holloway, the director-general of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, a piece of white, which represents peace and blessings.

During the visit when Royal Drummers provided a positive account of their stewardship, Oba Ewuare II also prayed for Mr. Holloway and his team, who were joined by Mark Olaitan, Curator of the National Museum in Benin, and Babatunde Adebiyi, Director of Legal Services at NCMM.