Benin Bronzes Return: Governor Monday Okpebholo says the historic artefacts belong to the Oba’s Palace, praises Switzerland, and rejects political interference.
The Benin Bronzes Return has received fresh support from Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo. He described the restitution as a historic achievement for the Benin Kingdom. He also insisted that the priceless artefacts belong to the Oba of Benin’s Palace and should never be politicised.
Governor Okpebholo spoke on Wednesday when he received the Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Olugbile Holloway. Also present were the Consul General of Switzerland in Lagos, Conny Camenzind, Professor Dr. Alice Hertzog, Dr. Alex Malefakis, and other members of the Swiss delegation at the Government House in Benin City.
The governor praised the Swiss Government and everyone involved in the Benin Bronzes Return. He described the occasion 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. There is no point in playing politics with what belongs to the palace,” he said.
According to the governor, the artefacts represent far more than works of art. Instead, they carry deep cultural and spiritual meaning for the Benin people.
“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 and Edo State.”
Furthermore, Okpebholo stressed that the Benin Bronzes Return should strengthen the traditional institution. He maintained that the artefacts belong in the Oba’s Palace.
“There is no point playing politics with them. They all belong to the Oba’s Palace. We have only one Oba Palace in Edo State.”
The governor also reflected on the history behind the removal of the bronzes. According to him, the British expedition was driven by the fame and greatness of the Benin Empire.
“They came because they had heard about the Benin Empire. They found these treasures fascinating and took them away. Today, I am happy that the Swiss Government has decided to return them to their rightful owners.”
In addition, he thanked Switzerland for supporting the Benin Bronzes Return. He said the decision would strengthen friendship between both countries.
“It may look like a small gesture, but the blessings ahead are huge,” he added.
Earlier, NCMM Director-General Olugbile Holloway said the visit highlighted ongoing efforts to secure the Benin Bronzes Return from museums across the world.
He explained that the commission is working closely with the Oba of Benin to ensure that more artefacts find their way back home.
“We are working with the palace and His Royal Majesty to ensure that as many of these bronzes as possible are returned,” Holloway said.
He also revealed that all the artefacts returned by Switzerland had arrived safely in Nigeria. They are currently in Lagos. However, some of them will be taken to the Oba’s Palace for a symbolic presentation and traditional blessings.
Meanwhile, Switzerland’s Consul General, Conny Camenzind, described the Benin Bronzes Return as a major milestone in relations between Switzerland and Nigeria.
She expressed pride in Switzerland’s contribution to the restitution process. Moreover, she praised the successful collaboration with the NCMM and participating museums. She added that the partnership would continue to grow in the years ahead.
The meeting was attended by Edo State Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, Secretary to the State Government Umar Musa Ikhilor, Head of Service Anthony Okungbowa, Commissioner for Information and Strategy Prince Kassim Afegbua, Chief of Staff Musa Yakubu, and other senior government officials.
The Benin Bronzes Return continues to attract international attention. More importantly, it represents another step toward restoring the cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom to its rightful home.
