Benin Dukes Hail FG, Oba’s Effort on Benin Royal Museum’s Project

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

The Dukes (Enigie) from Benin Kingdom have commended the joint efforts of the federal government and His Royal Majesty, Oba of Benin’s efforts toward the Benin Royal Museum’ project.

The Dukes gave the commendation during a meeting to review the progress so far made on the project.
Speaking at the meeting, the Enogie of Iguogie Dukedom, HRH.

Festus Osagiede, said with the level of progress made by stakeholders involved in the federal government-backed Benin Museum in Benin City, Edo State, where the artefacts and Bronzes would be kept, it was imperative to thank those involved in the project.

According to him, “We, the Dukes (Enigie) from Benin, thanked the federal government and Oba Ewuare II for their determination and unwavering support for approving the Benin Royal Museum where all the repatriated Benin artefacts and Bronzes from Europe and other parts of the world, and other looted Benin works abroad that are yet-to-be returned, have started yielding visible low-hanging fruits.

“We thank the federal government of Nigeria and the Oba of Benin for the great work that they are doing in the repatriation of the stolen Benin artefacts to their original place of origin. We are fully in support of the Benin Royal Museum.”

Also speaking, the Enogie of Ukhiri Dukedom, HRH. Aigbe Osayande and his counterpart in Obadan Dukedom, HRH. Joseph Airhihenbuwa, pledged their loyalty to the Oba of Benin for being steadfast and prayed for continuous unity of Benin Kingdom.

The Federal Republic of Nigeria in Notice No. 25 in the official Gazette No. 57, Volume 110 at pages A245-247, dated March 23, 2023 laid to rest, the steaming controversy over custody of the repatriated artefacts and Bronzes that were looted by foreign invaders from Oba of Benin Palace in Benin Kingdom — a territory in Edo State.