By Mercy Akuba
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has described the return of the Benin Bronzes as a historic milestone for the Benin Kingdom, stressing that the priceless artefacts belong to the Oba of Benin’s Palace and should never become a subject of political controversy.
The governor made the remarks on Wednesday while receiving the Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Olugbile Holloway, alongside the Consul General of Switzerland in Lagos, Conny Camenzind, the Director of the Ethnographic Museum of the University of Zurich, Professor Dr. Alice Hertzog, Curator Dr. Alex Malefakis, and other members of the delegation at the Government House in Benin City.
Commending the Swiss Government and all stakeholders involved in the restitution process, Governor Okpebholo described the return of the artefacts as a defining moment in the history of the Benin Kingdom.
“First of all, let me thank you for this moment because this is a defining history in our land. To me, there is no point in playing politics with what belongs to the palace,” he said.
“We have culture here. I believe in our culture. Those bronzes are not just bronze; they are symbolic and spiritual to our kingdom. Wherever they are, they will all find their way back to Nigeria, to Edo State.”
The governor maintained that the Benin Bronzes represent the cultural identity and heritage of the Benin people and should remain under the custody of the traditional institution.
“There is no point playing politics with them. They all belong to the Oba’s Palace. We have only one Oba’s Palace in Edo State,” he added.
Reflecting on the events that led to the removal of the artefacts, Governor Okpebholo said the British expedition to Benin was motivated by the global recognition of the greatness of the Benin Empire.
“The British that came here came for a reason. They heard something about the Benin Empire. That is why they came here. They found these things very interesting and took them out of this country to theirs.
“So now, I am happy that the Swiss Government has decided to say, ‘Yes, let’s return these back to the owners.’ I want to thank your government for taking this initiative in bringing these bronzes back to our palace.”
Describing the restitution as an act of goodwill with lasting significance, the governor said, “It might look small to you, but the blessings ahead are huge.”
Earlier, the Director-General of the NCMM, Olugbile Holloway, said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration with the Edo State Government while marking another important milestone in the international campaign for the restitution of Benin artefacts.
“As you are aware, with the topic of restitution and the return of the Benin Bronzes, Benin is ground zero when it comes to that aspect, and the National Commission for Museums and Monuments is at the forefront of the battle for restitution,” Holloway said.
He noted that the commission was working closely with the Oba of Benin and the royal palace to facilitate the return of more artefacts currently held in foreign museums.
“We are working with the palace and His Royal Majesty to ensure that as many of these bronzes that found their way into foreign museums begin to come home,” he said.
Holloway also disclosed that all the artefacts returned by Switzerland had arrived safely in Nigeria and were currently in Lagos. He added that the delegation would proceed to the Oba’s Palace to symbolically present some of the returned artefacts to His Royal Majesty for traditional blessings.
Speaking on behalf of the Swiss Government, Consul General Conny Camenzind described the restitution as a landmark achievement in the growing relationship between Switzerland and Nigeria.
She expressed satisfaction with Switzerland’s role in the process and praised the collaboration between the Swiss authorities, the NCMM, and participating museums.
According to her, the return of the artefacts marks the beginning of a long-term cultural partnership between both countries, expressing optimism that bilateral relations would continue to deepen.
Those present at the meeting included Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa; Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq.; Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa, Esq.; Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Musa Yakubu, JP; and other senior government officials.
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# Okpebholo Hails Return of Benin Bronzes, Declares: ‘They Belong to the Oba’s Palace’
**Benin City** – Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has described the return of the Benin Bronzes as a historic milestone for the Benin Kingdom, stressing that the priceless artefacts belong to the Oba of Benin’s Palace and should never become a subject of political controversy.
The governor made the remarks on Wednesday while receiving the Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Olugbile Holloway, alongside the Consul General of Switzerland in Lagos, Conny Camenzind, the Director of the Ethnographic Museum of the University of Zurich, Professor Dr. Alice Hertzog, Curator Dr. Alex Malefakis, and other members of the delegation at the Government House in Benin City.
Commending the Swiss Government and all stakeholders involved in the restitution process, Governor Okpebholo described the return of the artefacts as a defining moment in the history of the Benin Kingdom.
“First of all, let me thank you for this moment because this is a defining history in our land. To me, there is no point in playing politics with what belongs to the palace,” he said.
“We have culture here. I believe in our culture. Those bronzes are not just bronze; they are symbolic and spiritual to our kingdom. Wherever they are, they will all find their way back to Nigeria, to Edo State.”
The governor maintained that the Benin Bronzes represent the cultural identity and heritage of the Benin people and should remain under the custody of the traditional institution.
“There is no point playing politics with them. They all belong to the Oba’s Palace. We have only one Oba’s Palace in Edo State,” he added.
Reflecting on the events that led to the removal of the artefacts, Governor Okpebholo said the British expedition to Benin was motivated by the global recognition of the greatness of the Benin Empire.
“The British that came here came for a reason. They heard something about the Benin Empire. That is why they came here. They found these things very interesting and took them out of this country to theirs.
“So now, I am happy that the Swiss Government has decided to say, ‘Yes, let’s return these back to the owners.’ I want to thank your government for taking this initiative in bringing these bronzes back to our palace.”
Describing the restitution as an act of goodwill with lasting significance, the governor said, “It might look small to you, but the blessings ahead are huge.”
Earlier, the Director-General of the NCMM, Olugbile Holloway, said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration with the Edo State Government while marking another important milestone in the international campaign for the restitution of Benin artefacts.
“As you are aware, with the topic of restitution and the return of the Benin Bronzes, Benin is ground zero when it comes to that aspect, and the National Commission for Museums and Monuments is at the forefront of the battle for restitution,” Holloway said.
He noted that the commission was working closely with the Oba of Benin and the royal palace to facilitate the return of more artefacts currently held in foreign museums.
“We are working with the palace and His Royal Majesty to ensure that as many of these bronzes that found their way into foreign museums begin to come home,” he said.
Holloway also disclosed that all the artefacts returned by Switzerland had arrived safely in Nigeria and were currently in Lagos. He added that the delegation would proceed to the Oba’s Palace to symbolically present some of the returned artefacts to His Royal Majesty for traditional blessings.
Speaking on behalf of the Swiss Government, Consul General Conny Camenzind described the restitution as a landmark achievement in the growing relationship between Switzerland and Nigeria.
She expressed satisfaction with Switzerland’s role in the process and praised the collaboration between the Swiss authorities, the NCMM, and participating museums.
According to her, the return of the artefacts marks the beginning of a long-term cultural partnership between both countries, expressing optimism that bilateral relations would continue to deepen.
Those present at the meeting included Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa; Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq.; Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa, Esq.; Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Musa Yakubu, JP; and other senior government officials.