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Tag: Obaseki

  • 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.

  • Why I can never return to APC – Obaseki shuts down defection rumours

    Why I can never return to APC – Obaseki shuts down defection rumours

    Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has vowed never to return to the All Progressives Congress (APC); a party he contested and won his first term election as Edo governor in 2016.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that Obaseki joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2020 when he fell out with his predecessor and erstwhile godfather, Adams Oshiomhole during the governorship election where he (Obaseki) sought a second term in office.

    Obaseki, who spoke in Abuja on Monday in the backdrop of the exodus of governors elected on the platform of the PDP to the APC, insisted that he would not join the defection train.

    Three serving PDP governors were among high profile factors to the APC in recent time. They include Dave Umahi (Ebonyi); Ben Ayade (Cross River); and Bello Matawalle (Zamfara).

    But Obaseki described rumours getting the rounds that he intended to return to the APC as laughable, adding that he is committed to serving the people under the “stable, people-oriented and democratic structure” of the PDP.

    The Edo Governor, who is the Chairman of PDP’s e-registration exercise, declared his commitment and strong belief in the PDP as a party that holds the solution to issues of governance-deficit facing the country at the moment.

    In a statement yesterday by the spokesman for the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, the governor was quoted to have urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in their determination of rallying on the platform of the PDP to “rescue the country from the misrule of the APC.”

    He was further quoted to have urged Nigerians to turn out enmasse and register with the PDP as the party’s nationwide online electronic registration of members takes off in two weeks’ time.

    Obaseki, who was said to have addressed members of the PDP e-registration committee in Abuja, explained that the pilot scheme of the exercise will begin in Edo and Anambra states.

    “Nigerians must key into the e-registration exercise of the PDP as the party remains the solution to the myriads of problems confronting our nation today under the APC.

    “From all indications, it is clear that the PDP remains the party that provides the appropriate platform, outlook and sense of direction to return our nation to her of pride of place in the comity of nations”, he was quoted to have said.

  • 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.”

  • 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.

  • Ologbo modular refinery ready for production – Obaseki

    Ologbo modular refinery ready for production – Obaseki

    Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo, says the modular refinery in Ologbo, Ikpoba – Okha Local Government Area (LGA) of the state was ready for production.

    Obaseki stated this shortly after he was conducted round the facility by the Managing Director of the refinery, Mr Tim Tian.

    “We were in China to sign this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). I am very impressed that work has moved in such a speed in spite of the delay caused by COVID-19 pandemic.

    “The plant is ready to receive crude oil; it is ready to process and it is ready to deliver products. They have done the pre – commission with the Department of of Petroleum Resources, they have certified the refinery.

    “What we have left now is to finalise the crude oil sale contract, these facilities have to get a certain type of crude from the escravos line and that is being finalised.

    “I hope that before the end of August, we should start lifting products from this refinery,” he said.

    Also speaking, the Traditional Ruler of Ologbo community, Mr Owen Akenzua, expressed happiness about the facility.

    “My people are excited that such project will go a long way in improving the socio-economic development for our community.

    “The governor has this project dear to his heart, not only this project, the power plant is also situated in Ologbo.

    “The OSSIOMO Power Plant is capable of generating power for the immediate environment and the state at large, we are glad that this project is sited here,” he said.

    Mr Tim Tian, the Managing Director of the Ologbo modular refinery, commended the governor for his efforts towards actualising the project.

    Tian, who agreed the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic had affected the project, however, said that the facility was ready for production.

  • Obaseki explains reasons for delay in forming cabinet

    Obaseki explains reasons for delay in forming cabinet

    Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has directed wards and local government areas in the state to submit names to be nominated as members of his cabinet, seven months after his inauguration.

    Addressing state house correspondents on Wednesday after a meeting with the chief of staff to the president, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, Governor Obaseki explained that he delayed in naming members of his cabinet because of the restructuring of the state civil service in order to make it more efficient.

    He said having restructured the civil service and introduced technology, he is now ready for the political class to give the needed political direction to the administration.

    Meanwhile, the governor also discussed the return of the stolen Benin artifacts with the Chief of Staff.

    He revealed plans to set up a Museum in the state, which according to him, after completion would be a major tourist attraction and revenue spinner.

  • APC hits Obaseki hard over ‘water supply failure’ in Edo

    APC hits Obaseki hard over ‘water supply failure’ in Edo

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the failure of Gov. Godwin Obaseki’s administration to address the water problem in the Edo Central Senatorial District and other parts of the state as unbearable and unacceptable.

    This is contained in a statement released on Sunday by the Edo APC spokesman, Mr Chris Azebanwan, and made available to newsmen.

    According to the statement, the claim by Obaseki that his administration has within the last five years focused on water supply and, hence, sees no reason for water shortage in the state, is untenable.

    The Edo governor had said there was no reason for people not to enjoy public supply of water in their homes, considering the resources his administration has so far committed.

    But Azebanwan in the statement said the party was baffled concerning the water issue.

    He said that of particular importance was the case of Edo Central, where the Federal Government, as far back as 2018, had completed and handed over the Northern Esan water supply scheme to the state government.

    “This water scheme designed to cover much of the senatorial district was estimated to have cost N3.85 billion and was supposed to generate two million gallons or nine million litres of water per day.

    “The project was initiated by the Federal Government, with expectation that in no distant time the state government would carry out the reticulation aspect of the scheme so that the people of Edo Central could have potable water.

    “In September 2019, the Edo Government publicly declared that a water reticulation project as part of the scheme, was nearing completion,” it said.

    It added that the state claimed it had concluded the training of communities to set up water associations while it planned “to meter the water from the plant”, to regulate usage and check leakages.

    It said that the party wondered why “close to three years now, no drop of water was available from this water scheme to any home in the catchment area of the project.”

    The party stalwart called on the government to admit that it had failed on that score, rather than making a further promise of how it intended to erect giant boreholes and lay pipes for the same purpose.

    “The people of the affected areas are tired of Gov. Obaseki’s promises and having suffered for too long, waiting for water.

    “The best the government can do is to take action instead of gallivanting and claiming to be inspecting the water projects.

    “There are practical options to make water available and affordable to Edo people.

    “APC is willing and ready to give Gov. Obaseki the blueprint for a viable and sustainable water supply scheme for the State,” the statement added.

  • Drama as Obaseki’s SUV gets stuck in mud

    Drama as Obaseki’s SUV gets stuck in mud

    There was palpable tension on Friday in Edo Central part of the State, when the official vehicle of the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, got stuck in the mud.

    The black-colored Toyota Highlander SUV was stuck in an earth road somewhere in the forest of Edo Central.

    Some of the security operatives in the Governor’s convoy and some youths in the area could be seen in the picture looking perplexed.

    Caption of the picture now trending online however failed to mention the name of the road and the very location where the incident occurred, even as he did he mention how the vehicle was finally freed from the entanglement.

    Earlier in the day, the Governor had been on a working visit to the Edo Central Senatorial District of the State, where he inspected Ewohimi, Ugboha and Uromi water supply project.

  • Oshiomhole, Ize-Iyamu full of tricks, Edo won’t fall for their congratulatory letter – Obaseki

    Oshiomhole, Ize-Iyamu full of tricks, Edo won’t fall for their congratulatory letter – Obaseki

    Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has mocked former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole and his rival Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, over the congratulatory messages sent to him on Monday.

    Obaseki who faulted the congratulatory messages while addressing a large crowd of supporters at the Ring Road in Benin, wondered why they simply sent the messages to him through the internet.

    He noted that if the opposition leaders were really serious about their congratulatory messages, they should have printed them on their letter-headed papers, with their signatures on them, rather than posting it on the internet.

    The event was organized to celebrate his victory at the Supreme Court last Friday.

    According to him, “Edo will never fall for such cheap messages called congratulatory letter. They are not serious. Na today we do election, na today we win? They are full of tricks.

    “The APC in Abuja is being run just like what they did in Edo when they were in power in Edo state.

    “There is problem in Nigeria. The country has money but until we change our mindset that tax payers money must be used to work for the people and not for very few, we have to pray that what happened in Edo will not happen in Abuja.

    “The only party that has the right people for the job is the People’s Democratic Party, come 2023.

    “Forward ever, backward never, Edo must move forward,” he added.

    Oshiomhole and Ize-Iyamu had sent congratulatory messages to Obaseki on Monday, following the Supreme Court judgment on Friday.

  • Edo 2020: Appeal Court upholds Obaseki’s victory at poll

    Edo 2020: Appeal Court upholds Obaseki’s victory at poll

    The Court of Appeal, sitting in Benin, Edo State, on Wednesday, dismissed a case filed by the Action Democratic Party (ADP), seeking to quash Governor Godwin Obaseki’s victory at the September 19, 2020 governorship election.

    The case which sought Obaseki’s disqualification on grounds of alleged certificate forgery and dual party nomination, was thrown out by the Presiding Judge, Hon. Justice M.A. Owoade, for lacking in merit.

    The ADP had also lost its case at the state election petition tribunal on the same ground.

    The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal had in March ruled in favour of Obaseki as having won the September 20, 2020 governorship poll in the state.

    Justice Suleiman Abubakar had said the petitioners could not prove their case of forgery, participating in the primary election of two political parties, not having the constitutional qualification to contest for governorship election against Obaseki.