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Tag: Oba of Benin

  • Oba of Benin sends warning message to FG, Gov Obaseki on rightful custody of stolen artefacts

    Oba of Benin sends warning message to FG, Gov Obaseki on rightful custody of stolen artefacts

    The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Ewuare II, has said repatriated Benin Bronzes should be returned to the Benin Royal Museum to be cited within the precincts of his palace.

    At a summoned emergency in his palace on Friday, the Oba called on the Federal Government to take custody of the artefacts when repatriated until the royal museum is ready.

    The Oba’s intervention and comments follow the controversy over where the artefacts, looted by British soldiers during the invasion of the Benin Kingdom, ought to be kept when returned.

    According to him, individuals or institutions dealing with the private company, Legacy Restoration Trust, regarding the return of the looted artefacts does so at their own risk and against the will of the Benin people.

    He advised Governor Godwin Obaseki to review the use of a private company to pursue the return of the artefacts, adding that the items should be returned where they were taken from.

    On May 18, Germany, through its Director-General of Culture and Communication, Dr Andreas Gorgen, said his country was on a restitution mission to Nigeria to return all artefacts taken from the Benin Empire.

    The announcement had led to questions over where the stolen artefacts – bronze, wooden, brass, metal and ivory tusks; collectively known as the Benin bronzes – would be returned to.

    Meanwhile, the Federal Government, Edo State Government and the Benin royal family have concluded a meeting in Germany towards the return of stolen artefacts to Edo State.

    The meeting in Berlin was attended by the German Minister of State for Culture, Prof. Monika Grutters, and Foreign Minister, Mr. Heiko Maas, while the Nigerian delegation includes the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.

    The Benin Royal Palace was represented by the Crown Prince of Benin Kingdom, Prince Ezelekhae Ewuare.

    At the meeting, Lai Mohammed insisted on a full and unconditional return of the 1,130 Benin artefacts domiciled in German museums, adding that the return should be whole rather than substantial. He said this in the wake of remarks by Grutters that the European nation was ready to make a ‘substantial return’ of the 1,130 looted artefacts.

    Mohammed said the issue of provenance, which has to do with the place of origin of the artefacts, should not be allowed to unduly delay the repatriation of the art works, noting, “That they are known as Benin Bronzes, which is already a confirmation of their source of origin (which is Benin).”

    At a separate meeting with Maas, Mohammed also reiterated that no condition should be attached to the return of the artefacts.

    He stressed the need for the parties to commit to definite timelines for the return of the Benin Bronzes in addition to concluding all necessary negotiations in a very short term.

    He added that the discussions between Nigeria and Germany on the return of the artworks was not the end of an era, but rather the beginning of a new vista of stronger relations, pivoted by cultural diplomacy between both countries.

  • Oba of Benin summons emergency meeting of chiefs, market women, others today

    Oba of Benin summons emergency meeting of chiefs, market women, others today

    The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II has summoned an emergency meeting of Benin Chiefs, market women and other residents of Benin Kingdom to an emergency meeting at his palace today, Friday, July 9, 2021.

    According to a terse statement signed and released by the Secretary of Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor on Thursday, the meeting will commence by 10am.

    However, no reason was given for the emergency meeting.

    Read full statement below:

     

  • Emir of Kano pays royal visit to Oba of Benin

    Emir of Kano pays royal visit to Oba of Benin

    Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, would play host to the Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness, Aminu Ado-Bayero in his palace in Benin from Saturday May 29 to 31.

    This is contained in statement signed by Acting Chief Press Secretary to the Oba, Mr Ogiemwanre Victor on Wednesday, in Benin.

    The Emir of Kano is expected to be received by palace chiefs on arrival at the Benin Airport on Saturday and thereafter proceed to the palace of Oba of Benin for the traditional exchange of royal pleasantries and cultural display.

    “On Sunday May 30, 2021, the Emir of Kano will be hosted to a grand civic reception at Oba Akenzua Cultural Complex from 4:00 p.m. where different cultural troupes and staged drama tittled Idia N’ Iye Esigie (The King’s mother) will entertain the Emir and his esteem entourage. ‘

    “The general public is by this notice invited to attend. All quests are expected to be seated on or before 4:00 p.m.

    “The royal visit will end on Monday May 31, 2021 with a visit to Edo Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, at the Government House.”

    He, however, warned that all COVID – 19 protocols will be observed accordingly.”

  • Oba of Benin rejects third-party negotiations on return of looted Artefacts

    Oba of Benin rejects third-party negotiations on return of looted Artefacts

    Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has expressed displeasure that some some groups of individuals, using pseudo names, are negotiating the recovery of stolen Benin artworks on behalf of the throne.

    The Oba made this known on Friday in his palace in Benin, when Dr. Andreas Görgen, the Director General of the Directorate of Culture and Communications of the German Embassy in Nigeria, led top a German delegation on an assessment tour of Oba’s palace in Benin.

    The Benin Traditional ruler frowned at the development, saying that the palace would not fold its hands to see such abominable development take place.

    According to the Oba, prestigious Benin artefacts were largely looted from the Oba’s palace during the invasion of 1897 by British and other foreign nations.

    He said ‘These artefacts should be returned to the original owner,” insisting that no third party must negotiate or receive the materials on behalf of the Benin kingdom.

    Ewuare said that the Benin artworks have deep spiritual, traditional and cultural significance to the kingdom.

    He noted that when returned, they would boost tourism sector in the state.

    He reiterated that the throne will collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including the Oba Ewaure foundation and the government, in the struggle to recover all the Benin looted artefacts from various countries.

    In his response, Görgen told the traditional ruler that the German government acknowledged some objects from Benin in its custody, adding that Berlin is seeking ways with relevant stakeholders, especially with the Oba, on how to return the Benin artworks.

  • Oba of Benin concludes ‘Ugie-Ododuwa’ ceremony

    Oba of Benin concludes ‘Ugie-Ododuwa’ ceremony

    The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, on Tuesday concluded the first public performance of Ugie-Ododuwa ceremony at the sacred Ugha-Ehengbuda axis of the palace ground in Benin.

    The climax of the “outdoor spiritual ceremony” was when the Oba joined seven masqueraders in their stylish dance steps, as the Ogbelaka Royal drummers rendered spiritual incantations.

    The outdoor ceremony which attracted many, especially the youth, started on May 4.

    The Oba’s acting Chief Press Secretary, Mr Victor Ogiemwanre, noted that the ceremony is in commemoration of the return of Oranmiyan, the son of Ododuwa, to his ancestral land of Benin.

    Ogiemwanre said the ceremony is also used to thank God, ancestors as well as ‘spirits’ of the community for Oba Ewuare’s successful ascension to the throne of his forbearers.

    “The spiritual rites started during the reign of Oba Esigie at about 1504 AD lasts for 14 days.

    “The first seven days are indoor activities, while the last seven days are outdoors, where the seven masqueraders, all play significant roles.

    “The masqueraders danced to the spiritual renditions by the Ogbelaka Royal drummers, offering prayers,” he said.

    According to him, the ceremony has many benefits, as it also “purifies and sanctifies” the community.

    Ogiemwanre said the ceremony also wards off evil, hostility, war, famine, untimely deaths, while ushering in peace, tranquility, fertility, progress and development.

    The ceremony is one of the greatest ceremonies in the Benin kingdom and is not celebrated like other regular ceremonies.

    The seven masquerades which represent deities, dance and pray for the well-being of the Oba, development, among others, from the first day to the last day of the ceremony.

    In attendance at this year’s ceremony were the wives of the Oba, palace chiefs and other titled chiefs.

    Others were Speaker, Edo House of Assembly, Mr Marcus Onobun, and a former deputy governor of the Edo, Mr Pius Odubu.

  • Oba of Benin announces date for outdoor ceremony of Odudua rites

    Oba of Benin announces date for outdoor ceremony of Odudua rites

    Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has announced the date for the outdoor celebration of Ugie Odudua ceremony.

    This was contained in a statement, signed by Mr Frank Irabor, Secretary, Benin Traditional Council (BTC), and made available to newsmen in Benin on Friday.

    Irabor said the ceremony will begin on Tuesday and last seven days at the Oba palace ground in Benin.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG gathered that Odudua rite is a ceremony used to commemorate the return of Oranmiyan, the son of Odudua, to his biological land of Benin.

    The spiritual ceremony is also used to thank God, and ancestors as well for the spirits of the land for the Oba’s successful ascension to the throne of his forebears.

  • JUST IN: Oba of Benin sacks Church Priest for going against tradition

    JUST IN: Oba of Benin sacks Church Priest for going against tradition

    The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba Ewuare Ogidigan (11), has approved the sack of the presiding priest of Holy Aruosa Cathedral, Ohen-Osa Harrison Okao, for alleged non-compliance with ancient long tradition of the land.

    The decision was jointly taken by the traditional head of the church, HRM Oba Ewuare the second, joint elders committee and top palace chiefs after Okao was found guilty of violating the long-standing rules of the church.

    A statement by Benin Traditional Council (BTC) Secretary, Mr Frank Irabor, said the removal of the former top priest of the church would restore sanity and lasting peace to the foremost Benin national church.

    Okao was also ordered to handover the church property in his possession as the Ohenosa to the head Iweguae Chief Esere.

    He was also warned to stop any financial transaction within the cathedral.

  • Oba of Benin cancels annual thanksgiving

    Oba of Benin cancels annual thanksgiving

    Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II has cancelled the annual thanksgiving ceremony to round off the Ugie festival.

    This is as a result of the resurgence of COVID-19 in the country.

    Frank Irabor, Benin Traditional Council (BTC), secretary confirmed this in a statement.

    “The worship at the Holy Arousa Church, by His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo. Ewuare II, Oba of Benin on Sunday 27th December 2020, has been cancelled due to the second wave of COVID-19, the statement detailed.

    Few days back, a statement was issued by Irabor inviting the public to the church to worship with the King as part of celebration of the annual festival.

    The Igue festival always comes up annually in Benin by the reigning king. It is done to mark the end of the year and usher in a new year.

  • Second Term: Oba of Benin sends critical message to Gov Obaseki

    Second Term: Oba of Benin sends critical message to Gov Obaseki

    The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has urged Gov. Godwin Obaseki to be selfless in service as he continues to steer the affairs of Edo.

    The Oba gave the advice in a statement issued by Mr Frank Irabo, the Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) on Saturday in Benin.

    He congratulated the governor and his deputy on their inauguration for a second term in office and prayed to God to grant them wisdom to render selfless service to the people of the state.

    “May your tenure be peaceful to everyone and be a shining beacon to successive administrations yet to come,’’ the Oba said.

    The governor and his deputy took oath of office on Thursday for their second term.

  • Edo poll: Obaseki leads PDP governors on ‘thank you’ visit to Oba of Benin [Photos]

    Edo poll: Obaseki leads PDP governors on ‘thank you’ visit to Oba of Benin [Photos]

    Sequel to his landslide victory in the recently concluded Edo governorship election, Governor Godwin Obaseki on Tuesday led four other PDP governors on a thank you visit to the Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II.

    In his entourage were Nyesom Wike of Rivers, Seyi Makinde, Oyo, Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto and Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa.

    Chieftains of the party including the PDP Vice National Chairman, S/South, Chief Dan Orbih, and the Edo State party Chairman , Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, also accompanied Obaseki to salute the king.

    Obaseki speaks at the palace event

    Obaseki expressed his profound appreciation to Oba Ewaure II for the warm reception and assured him that his administration will serve the interest of Edo people, who gave him the mandate for a second term as governor.

    Wike gives a vote of thanks, while Obaseki, Tambuwal, Fintiri and Seyi Makinde look on

    Obaseki, 2nd left, Tambuwal, Wike, Fintiri at the meeting with Oba Ewuare II