BENIN CITY-The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II has commended President Muhammadu Buhari’s stance in preserving the cultural ethos and traditional institutions in Nigeria
He spoke after a private meeting with Ooni of Ife, His imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; (Ọjájá II) and the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero in his palace in Benin City, Edo State recently
Oba Ewuare II recalled failed attempts by cultural imperialists to disrupt the traditional institutions in Africa including Benin Kingdom where the invaders looted Benin Bronzes over a century ago.
He however expressed thanks to God and his forebears that some of the artefacts the invaders took away are gradually been returned to their original abode.
The traditional ruler also acknowledged the role of the President, and the support of stakeholders in preserving the traditional institutions which he said has remained intact.
Oba Ewuare II further said, “When the white man came and tried to disrupt our traditional institutions, you will all agree with me that they failed. So, they left our traditional institutions intact. That is why we are still here,
“They took away our artefacts to remind them of their visit. But the artefacts are coming back”.
“I want to use this opportunity to thank Mr. President, Muhammadu Buhari for his strong stance in supporting the cultural, the traditional institutions, preserving the culture of Nigeria and so many other things. We may not know what His Excellency has done for us, Nigerians will perhaps know later”, Oba Ewuare II said.
Addressing the Benin throne, the Ooni of Ife, His imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi,(Ọjájá II), while recalling the ancestral ties between Benin Kingdom and Ile Ife in Osun State, revealed that his mission to Oba of Benin palace is to see Oba, ask for his welfare and extend the best wishes of his people to him
On his part, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero paid tribute to the Benin throne and promised to sustain the legacies of his forebears as well as straighten the bond of friendship that have existed between Benin Kingdom and Kano Emirate.
