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Tag: Oba of Benin

  • 2023: Osinbajo is problem for his co-contestants, they are shivering – Oba of Benin

    2023: Osinbajo is problem for his co-contestants, they are shivering – Oba of Benin

    The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II on Thursday described Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as a “dear son of the soil”.

    The Oba made the statement when he received the Vice President at his palace in Benin City, Edo state.

    Speaking at the palace, the Oba of Benin explained that he was supposed to be at a meeting in Abuja but he had to shelve it to receive the Vice President.

    His Royal Father also lauded the credentials of the Vice President, stressing that, some aspirants are shivering already.

    “Because of your credentials, humility, calmness, there’s no gain saying that your contestants are shivering where they are.”

    Adding that, “We don’t have to over flog your credentials, they speak for themselves. I always admire you greatly.”

    The Oba of Benin then went on describe Prof. Osinbajo as son of the soil. “I was supposed to be in Abuja today for a meeting but I had to put it on hold to receive our dear son of the soil, Yemi Osinbajo.”

  • Britain returns 2 Stolen Benin artefacts to Nigeria after 100 years

    Britain returns 2 Stolen Benin artefacts to Nigeria after 100 years

    The two Benin bronzes, which were looted by British troops, have been returned to a traditional palace in Benin City.

    Two Benin bronzes have been returned to a traditional palace in Nigeria, more than a century after they were pillaged by British troops, raising hopes that thousands more artefacts could finally be returned to their ancestral home.

    The artefacts, mostly in Europe, were stolen by explorers and colonisers from the Benin Kingdom, now southwestern Nigeria, and are among Africa’s most significant heritage objects.

    They were created as early as the 16th century, according to the British Museum.

    At a colourful ceremony in Benin City on Saturday to mark the return of a cockerel sculpture and head of an Oba (king), palace spokesman Charles Edosonmwan said some of the bronzes had been taken as far away as New Zealand, the United States and Japan.

    The two artefacts were handed over to the Nigerian High Commission in October by the University of Aberdeen and Cambridge University’s Jesus College but have yet to return to their ancestral home.

    “They are not just art but they are things that underline the significance of our spirituality,” Edosonmwan said in an interview on the sidelines of a ceremony attended by traditional leaders.

    The return is another milestone in the years-long fight by African countries to recover looted works, as numerous European institutions are grappling with the cultural legacies of colonialism.

    Some 90 percent of Africa’s cultural heritage is believed to be in Europe, French art historians estimate.

    Musee du Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac in Paris alone holds about 70,000 African objects and London’s British Museum tens of thousands more.

  • UK to return another looted artefacts to Oba of Benin Saturday

    UK to return another looted artefacts to Oba of Benin Saturday

    The United Kingdom is set to return two looted artefacts from Cambridge and Aberdeen to the Palace of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II on Saturday, through the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing. This is in adherence to the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    This was made known in a statement issued by Frank Irobor, the Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council, on Tuesday in Benin.

    Irabor said that “The general public is hereby invited to join His Royal Majesty in receiving the Benin Bronzes of Okpa “Cockerel” and the Bronze burst of an Oba (Uhunilao) both from Jesus College, Cambridge in Britain and Aberdeen in Scotland, respectively.

    “The general public is invited to the physical handing over of the Benin Bronze artefacts to the Oba of Benin.

    “All invited guests are to be seated by 11.00 a.m,” the statement read in part.

  • Bobrisky apologises to Oba of Benin over marriage proposal

    Bobrisky apologises to Oba of Benin over marriage proposal

    Popular cross-dresser Bobrisky has tendered a public apology for a ‘disrespectful’ comment on the revered Oba of Benin.

    The crossdresser in a recent viral video announced his arrival in Benin and asked the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, to marry him.

    Bobrisky travelled to the Heartbeat of the Nation for an event organised by Ehi Ogbebor, the interior designer.

    While in the car with friends conveying him to his destination in Benin, Bobrisky could be heard saying: “The queen’s are in Benin. We are here to disturb Benin. This one no be ‘shere shere’ o! We are here to disturb Benin.

    “Oba of Benin, Bob don enter o! Come and marry me, Oba.”

    Seeing the uproar caused by his “distasteful” and “unruly” comment, the social media personality has now tendered an apology to the Oba and entire people of Benin.

    Bobrisky appealed to all who found his comment offensive not to take it personal.

    In the more recent video, the 30-year-old crossdresser could be heard saying: “Guys, it’s Bobrisky. I’m super excited that I’m in Benin.

    “You guys are awesome and wonderful people. Thank you guys for welcoming Bobrisky.

    “And guys, I have been seeing some little little gist about what I said about our honourable and wonderful Oba.

    “I am sorry, I was just joking. I was just cruising, like just chilling. I never knew you people will take it personal.

    “So, this is a video to apologise that I am sorry. Please, you guys should not take it personal. And I love you guys so much. Thank you!”

  • Oba of Benin performs Ugie-Otue Oba traditional rites

    Oba of Benin performs Ugie-Otue Oba traditional rites

    In continuation of the traditional and spiritual activities at the on-going annual Igue festival, Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba Ewuare II performed Ugie-Otue (Oba’s rite) on Thursday in his palace.

    Ugie Otue (Oba ceremony) is a rite which offers immense opportunities for various categories of palace chiefs, functionaries, and different guilds to pay homage and declare unalloyed allegiance to the Oba.

    Significantly, the rite also allows palace chiefs and functionaries, according to their endowments or hierarchical order to get kolanuts gifts from the Oba in recognition of their commitment and loyalty over the years.

    Thursday’s ceremony saw display of different palace groups – the “Ifiento’’ (palace warriors), “Ikpema’’ (Royal Drummers), the Emelhe (ancient royal praise singers) supply spiritual rendition in line with customs.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that those in attendance adhered strictly to COVID-19 safety protocols

  • Oba of Benin bans former head servant

    Oba of Benin bans former head servant

    The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has banned Roland Ogbebor, a former Omuada (Head of Servants) to His Royal Majesty.

    He has been accused of impersonation and other “sacrilegious acts.”

    Ogbebor’s ban was announced on Tuesday through a prepared statement by the Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), Mr Frank Irabor

    He said that the former head servant has been involved in land grabbing, extortion, intimidation, impersonation and fraud since his suspension in 2018.

    He disclosed that the ban is “extended to his participation at all Oba Palace traditional establishments and functions, including spiritual groups, activities, festivals, shrines and oguedion in Benin Kingdom“.

    According to Irabor, since Ogbebor’s suspension as the Omuada, he has been acting “as a wolf in sheep clothing and a confidence trickster”

    Irabor, who was flanked by prominent Benin chiefs at the briefing, noted that the former Omuada was also involved in what he described as “abominable and sacrilegious act” of parading himself as the second-in-command to oba.

    “Furthermore, he paraded himself as deputising for the Palace authority to the extent of being addressed in an abominable manner as the second-in-command to His Royal Majesty.

    “This is sacrilege and an abomination, punishable by customary laws of our tradition.

    “He has also behaved in treacherous ways to the throne that is akin to being a traitor. He has been able to do this by disguising himself as a wolf in sheep clothing and a confidence trickster.

    “He was of the opinion that his services to the throne were indispensable,“ Irabor pointed out.

    Irabor said that there was an ongoing overhauling of the palace administrative system that would put an end to such act exhibited by Ogbebor.

    He urged members of the public who may have issues with Ogbebor that have to do with land grabbing to report to the appropriate security agencies and also copy same to the palace.

  • Oba of Benin opens up on coronation of new Olu of Warri

    Oba of Benin opens up on coronation of new Olu of Warri

    The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has enjoined Itsekiri king makers to strictly adhere to their tradition and customs during the coronation of the new Olu of Warri, Tsola Emiko.

    He spoke late Thursday when the Uwangue of Warri, Chief Gabriel Awala, led a delegation to his palace in Benin to formally inform him of the coronation of the new Olu, scheduled for Saturday.

    Oba Ewuare II said that the adequate observance of ancient traditions and customs of the land would preserve the cultural heritage of the Itsekiri nation.

    He assured the delegation of his support for the Olu-designate, insisting that the “cultural and traditional ties between Warri and Benin kingdoms would be strengthened”.

    The Benin monarch promised that a high-powered delegation would be sent from his palace to the coronation of the new Olu.

    Earlier, Awala informed the Benin monarch that they had come to formally inform him of the crowning of the new Olu.

    He described the relationship between Warri and Benin as cordial and that the Benin monarch would continue to be a father to all.

    History has it that it was a prince from the Benin palace that became the first Olu of Warri.

  • Oba of Benin’s wife gives birth to quadruplets

    Oba of Benin’s wife gives birth to quadruplets

    The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II has welcomed a set of quadruplets from his fifth wife, Queen (Oloi) Aisosa Ewuare II into the Benin Royal Family.

    Oba Ewuare made the announcement at his palace on Friday in Benin amidst jubilation from guests.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Oba had in May 2020, welcomed his first infant prince after he ascended the throne of his forebears as the 40th Oba of Benin from her Royal Highness, Queen (Oloi) Iyayota Ewuare II.

    The sexes of the babies who are yet to be named comprise three infant princesses and an infant prince.

    The monarch, paid tribute to God Almighty and the ancestors for the blessing.

    The presiding priest of the oldest West African Church, better known as Holy Aruosa Church, Ohen-Osa Igbinoghodua Edebiri, offered prayer to God of wisdom and guidance for the newborns.

    Queen (Oloi) Aisosa Ewuare II is the youngest among the wives of the Benin king.

    The brief ceremony coincided with the visit of national executives of Immaculate Conception College, ICC, Benin which is the Oba’s Alma-mater.

    The group was led by John Osa- Omoregie who thanked the king for his support towards the development of the school and sued for more support.

  • Looted artefacts: FG brokers peace between Gov Obaseki, Oba of Benin

    Looted artefacts: FG brokers peace between Gov Obaseki, Oba of Benin

    The Federal Government says, in line with operative conventions and laws, it will take possession of the 1,130 looted Benin bronzes being expected from Germany.

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed disclosed this on Saturday in Lagos at a news conference on the efforts by the federal government to repatriate looted smuggled artefacts from around the world.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that the minister was reacting to the controversy that had trailed who will take possession of the expected artefact between the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II and Edo state Governor, Godwin Obaseki.

    TNG reports that while the Oba wanted the artefacts stolen from Benin Palace in 1987 to be returned to a museum to be built within the Palace premises, the governor showed preference for a private trust to take custody and manage the artefacts.

    The Minister however said the federal government was the entity recognised by international law as the authority in control of antiquities originating from the country.

    “The Federal Government is aware of the widely-reported controversy when on who will take possession of the Benin Bronzes when they are returned from Germany.

    “Let me state clearly here that, in line with international best practice and the operative Conventions and laws, the return of the artefacts is being negotiated bilaterally between the national governments of Nigeria and Germany.

    “Nigeria is the entity recognised by international law as the authority in control of antiquities originating from Nigeria.

    “The relevant international Conventions treat heritage properties as properties belonging to the nation and not to individuals or subnational groups,’’ he said.

    The minister cited the 1970 UNESCO Convention, in its Article 1 which defines cultural property as property specifically designated by that nation.

    He said the provision allows individual nations to determine what it regards as its cultural property.

    He, however, noted that the provision notwithstanding, his ministry had been working over the past years to repatriate looted artefacts in partnership with traditional institutions and state governments

    “What we are saying, in essence, is that the federal government will take possession of these antiquities, because it is its duty to do so, in line with the extant laws.

    “We have always exercised this right in cognisance of that culture that produced the artworks.

    “That is why the Ministry of Information and Culture and the National Commission for Museums and Monuments have always involved both the Edo State government and the Royal Benin Palace in discussions and negotiations that have now resulted in the impending return of these antiquities,’’ he said.

    The minister said the federal government was not just involved in the repatriation of Benin artefacts.

    He said his ministry was also working on repatriating Ife Bronzes and Terracotta, Nok Terracotta, Owo Terracotta, the arts of the Benue River Valley, the Igbo Ukwu and the arts of Bida, Igala, Jukun etc.

    Mohammed commended the Government of Germany for taking the lead in the global efforts to repatriate all artefacts that were looted from Nigeria and from the African continent.

    “As I said during the meeting in Berlin, we see Germany as a leader in the efforts to take practical steps to repatriate our stolen artefacts, and we hope Germany will sustain that lead.

    He also applauded the development that the repatriation of the artefacts would be the beginning of a new vista of stronger relations and cultural diplomacy between Nigeria and Germany.

    He disclosed that there would be archaeological training for Nigerians among other benefits accruing from the ongoing talks.

    “The Nigerian side and the German side agreed to Nigeria’s proposal to use the repatriated artefacts and other works of art to inspire Nigeria’s Creative Industry towards realising its high potential.

    “For this and other purposes, it was agreed that the Germans will facilitate the establishment of an academy in Nigeria,’’ he said.

    The minister equally thanked Gov. Godwin Obaseki for his commitment as well as the Oba for sending the Benin Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Ezelekhae Ewuare, to be a part of the Nigerian delegation to Berlin.

  • Obaseki reacts to Oba of Benin’s directives asking FG to sideline him in repatriating stolen Edo artefacts

    Obaseki reacts to Oba of Benin’s directives asking FG to sideline him in repatriating stolen Edo artefacts

    The Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has ordered that no one, whether in government or acting independently should engage in “disrespectful exchanges” with the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, over stolen artefacts.

    This was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie.

    Obaseki was reacting to a statement issued by the Oba of Benin asking the Federal Government to temporarily take custody of 1,130 stolen Benin artefacts that are about to be repatriated from Europe.

    The monarch had earlier said, following a statement issued by the Edo State Government which revealed that a “transformational” museum would be built in Benin to house the artefacts upon their return, the rightful destination of the artefacts should be the Benin Royal Museum.

    Edo government in the statement issued on Monday allayed fears of a conflict between the state government and the Oba of Benin, adding that Governor Obaseki will maintain his immense respect for the monarch.

    “The attention of the Edo State Government (EDSG) has been drawn to the widely publicised media statement issued by the Palace of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.

    “The Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has displayed and will continue to display immense respect for our traditional institutions and therefore will continue to make effort to secure a private audience with His Royal Majesty to discuss his concerns.

    “The Governor has consequently ordered that on no account should anyone, whether in government or acting independently, engage in disrespectful exchanges and/or altercation with our revered Royal Majesty and the Benin Royal Palace,” the statement read in part.

    The Edo State government added that its earlier statement appears to have created the impression that there is a major conflict between its interests and His Royal Majesty with regards to the laudable national milestone of having our highly valued artefacts returned home to Nigeria.

    “The Government of Edo State and the Governor have always acted transparently and in consonance with existing Federal and State laws in all matters relating to the proposed return of the artefacts and monuments.

    “The actions of the government thus far on this issue have been driven by selfless, patriotic considerations and in the best interest of Edo State and Edo people,” the statement added.

    Governor Obaseki also expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari and Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed and other officials of the federal government “for their patriotic and tireless efforts that have brought us to the verge of this eagerly anticipated achievement which has remained elusive for over a century.”