The lingering issues surrounding who bears the ownership of the repatriated Artifacts between the Benin Palace and the Edo State Government after the Nigeria Government issued a gazette recognizing the Oba of Benin as the Custodian has been put to an end
The development in the last couple of years, has raised dust over the stance taken by the Edo State Government, with the people firmly rooting for the artifacts to be kept in the Custody of the Benin Monarch.
Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin
This is as the Edo State Government continues to Front the Edo Museum of West African Art EMOWAA, seen by many as a counter to the proposed house by the Monarch for the Benin Bronze.
The Governor in a forum said the advent of EMOWWA, and a new dedicated space will contain the rich, regal, and sacred objects of Benin’s past, in a way that allows visitors not just the possibility of “looking in” but “looking out” into the visual landscape of imagining the once historic borders of a restored ancient kingdom.
Represented by David Adjaye, Associate, further noted that, From an initial glance at the preliminary design concept, one might believe this is a traditional museum but what they are proposing is an undoing of the objectification that has happened in the West through full reconstruction.
The Governor in his projection has continued to float in isolation as his initiative is believed to be gagging the will of the rightful owner, causing mixed feelings within the palace over his true position.
However, A Government Notice No. 25 in Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette No. 57, Volume 110 dated March 28, 2023, and titled: “Notice of Presidential Declaration – on the Recognition of Ownership, and an order vesting custody and Management of Repatriated looted Benin Artefacts in the Oba of Benin kingdom”, ordered that the “ownership of artifacts looted from the ancient Palace of the Oba and other parts of Benin Kingdom be and is vested in the Oba.”
It also ordered that “custody of the repatriated artifacts, shall, from wherever and whenever they are brought into Nigeria, be handed over to the Oba as the original owner and custodian of the culture, heritage, and tradition of the people of Benin Kingdom in the Edo State of Nigeria.”
The gazette said the “repatriated artifacts may be kept within the Palace of the Oba or such other locations within Benin City, or another place that the Oba and the Federal Government of Nigeria may consider secure and safe. “
It further ordered that the “Oba shall be responsible for the management of all places where the repatriated artifacts are domiciled or located.”
It added that the “Oba shall work jointly with any recognized national or international institution to ensure the preservation and security of the repatriated artifacts for the benefit of humanity and repatriated artifacts shall not be taken out of the designated custody without the written consent and authorization of the Oba, and upon such return, the artifacts shall first be inspected and authenticated by the Oba before it is accepted and restored to its designated custody.”
Given the latest developments, it is expected that the State Government should collaborate in building a befitting museum to house the repatriated artifacts, rather than work in isolation
