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  • Excitement in Benin Kingdom over mass return of looted artefacts

    Excitement in Benin Kingdom over mass return of looted artefacts

    History came full circle in a powerful display of culture and justice as 119 looted Benin artefacts were returned by the Netherlands to the palace of Oba Ewuare II. The repatriation—the largest ever by any European country—sparked jubilation across Benin Kingdom, with high-ranking chiefs dancing to ancestral drumbeats and the Oba himself joining in the celebration. The artefacts, looted during the 1897 British invasion, are more than artistic relics; they embody the spiritual and historical soul of the Benin people. Their return marks a monumental step in restoring stolen heritage and rekindling the identity and pride of an ancient African civilisation, reports OSAGIE OTABOR

    It was a moment of jubilation at the palace of the Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II, as the government of the Netherlands returned 119 artefacts looted during the 1897 British invasion of Benin Kingdom. High-ranking chiefs danced gracefully to ancient drumbeats, and in a rare public gesture, the Oba himself rose to dance in celebration. This return marks the largest single repatriation of Benin artefacts by any European country. The treasured artefacts—bronzes, wood carvings, ivory, and brass works—hold deep cultural, historical, and religious significance. Each piece was originally commissioned by reigning Obas and crafted by specialised guilds: bronze and brass casters from Igun Street (Igun n’Eromwon) and wood carvers from Igbesamwan, all custodians of ancestral artistry passed down through generations.

    In a spiritual gesture, Oba Ewuare II invoked the spirits of the returned artefacts using his official sceptre, commanding them to summon the return of their scattered counterparts from around the world. He vowed never to allow the artefacts to be relooted while he sits on the ancestral throne. The return is not merely the repatriation of cultural property; it is a spiritual homecoming. As Theophilus Umogbai, Director and Curator of the Benin City National Museum, noted, the artefacts’ return is akin to the return of ancestors. “Everybody is waiting and hoping to behold these objects,” he said, capturing the profound emotional and cultural resonance of the moment.

    “People have been talking about these objects since 1897 and yet we are unable to access these objects to behold them, to view them. Each of the objects taken away represented an ancestor in captivity, not just an artwork but an ancestor in captivity. That will tell you how important the objects are. So, they are part of our history and when they were taken away it was our civil library was raided and vandalised, their return now will help to fill in those gaps.”

    Before the return of 119 artefacts by the Netherlands, several museums and private individuals across the world had already responded to growing global pressure to return looted Benin artefacts. In 2014, under the reign of Oba Erediauwa, Dr. Adrian Walker—great-grandson of Captain Hubert Sutherland Walker, a British spy involved in the 1897 invasion—returned two bronze pieces. He described his action as a moral responsibility, stating it was unethical to keep what was never legally his.

    In a related development, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), at the weekend returned two works of art from the Benin Kingdom to His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, in a ceremony at the Nigeria House in New York City, which houses both the permanent mission of Nigeria to the United Nations and Consulate General of Nigeria. The works were presented to His Royal Highness Prince Aghatise Erediauwa and  Ambassador Samson Itegboje of the Embassy of Nigeria, a statement from the organisation stated.

    The National Commission for Museums and Monuments, working with the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington, D.C., the statement said, will take possession of these two works and coordinate their handling, care, transit to Nigeria, and delivery to the Oba of Benin. The transfer was coordinated and facilitated by Dr. Arese Carrington, a member of the MFA’s Board of Advisors, the statement added. In addition to Aghatise Erediauwa, Itegboje and Carrington, the ceremony was attended by Ambassador Abubakar Jidda, Consul General of Nigeria, New York; Matthew Teitelbaum, the MFA’s Ann and Graham Gund Director.

    “I am pleased to deliver these two works of art to Prince Aghatise Erediuwa on behalf of HM Oba Ewuare II,” said Matthew Teitelbaum, Ann and Graham Gund Director of the MFA. As custodians of these exceptional objects for the past 12 years, it is deeply gratifying to see them returned to their rightful owner. I want to thank Dr. Arese Carrington, Ambassador Itegboje and Consul General Jidda for their partnership in this truly meaningful event,” the MFA officials added.

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    In 2021, Jesus College, Cambridge, returned the Okukor, a bronze cockerel sculpture. The same year, Germany’s then Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, repatriated 22 artefacts, acknowledging Germany’s “dark colonial history” and expressing a resolve to correct historical injustices. The Stanley Museum of Art at the University of Iowa, USA, followed suit in July 2023, returning a wooden carved mother hen and a brass plaque to Oba Ewuare II. In 2022, the German government returned two historically significant royal stools used in the coronation of Oba Eresoyen and Oba Esigie, dating back to the 15th and 17th centuries.

    Sweden has also pledged to return 39 Benin artefacts in its museum collection to the Benin royal court. Commenting on the Netherlands’ recent restitution, General Director of Wereldmuseum, Marieke Van Bommel, called on other European nations to act. “The artefacts were looted, and we have a policy in the Netherlands to bring them back. We are returning 119. These are all we have. There are more in Europe, but that is not up to us,” she said.

    Several organisations have pledged to support the full repatriation of looted Benin artefacts, particularly those held by the United Kingdom, which is believed to possess the largest collection of these historic treasures. Dr. Cory Gundlach, Curator of African Art at the University of Iowa, and the Richard Lander Society have both assured the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, that efforts are ongoing to ensure the return of artefacts scattered across museums in the United States and Europe. The Nigerian federal government, under former President Muhammadu Buhari, formalised its stance in an official gazette, declaring that all repatriated Benin artefacts must be returned to the Oba’s Palace. The gazette vested in the Oba the ownership, custody, and management rights of all returned pieces, underscoring the palace’s central role in preserving Benin’s cultural heritage.

    However, the issue of where the artefacts should be publicly displayed has sparked controversy. While Oba Ewuare II advocated for a new Benin Royal Museum, former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki initiated the construction of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) through a trust arrangement, a move strongly opposed by the Benin Royal Palace. Although MOWAA’s construction continues, Oba Ewuare II has identified the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre—located near the palace on Airport Road—as the appropriate venue for the renamed Benin Royal Museum. Built during the regime of General Sani Abacha, the centre is now being revitalised to house the sacred artefacts. Receiving the 119 artefacts returned by the Netherlands, Oba Ewuare II revealed that divine intervention thwarted plans by international cartels to re-loot the objects, crediting his prayers to God and the ancestors.

    According to him, “I thank President Bola Tinubu for supporting and committing to the efforts former President Buhari put in place to ensure the artefacts are not re-looted because there were groups in this country believed to be an international cartel that had all sorts of conspiracy to re-loot our artefacts. They stole and burnt our Kingdom.

    They killed my people, their morale and try to kill their spirit and their morale. Today, I lament the fact that the people of Benin Kingdom, the boldness, courage and bravery is still there. Events of 1897 reduced that to significant level that sometimes when I see my people, they are afraid of the unknown.

    “The return of these objects has reawakened the courage we had in our people. We do not want modern day politics; we do not want partisan politics to diminish the courage of our people. The Director General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments has been doing a wonderful work. His predecessor was part of the conspiracy to re-loot our artefacts. We had a running battle in this hall. I addressed my Chiefs in Benin language and I said these artefacts belong to my ancestors and I will not sit on the ancient throne and watch the artefacts re-looted.

    They rather remain where they are than being re-looted. I thank the government of Netherlands for working with us. This is part of the efforts to reawaken the morale and spirit of my people.”

    Receiving the artefacts, Oba Ewuare II said God and the ancestors answered his prayers against those that planned to re-loot the artefacts. Oba Ewuare II said there was an international cartel within the country that wanted to loot the returned artefacts. The Benin Monarch said he would not sit on the ancient throne of his ancestors and watch the returned artefacts re-looted. He said events of 1897 reduced the Benin Kingdom to significant level that killed the courage, bravery and morale of Benin youths. “The return of these objects has reawakened the courage we had in our people. We do not want modern day politics, we do not want partisan politics to diminish the courage of our people.

    “After 1897, the kingdom was reduced. There was a government in this state that wanted to reduce the kingdom more and scatter it. I am angry when I speak about it. Why would anybody as we have managed to retain wanted to scatter it. The youths were courageous and liked the youths of those days. They were not afraid of anybody. I vowed that it will not happen. Not in my reign. Not while I am sitting on this throne. God heard my prayers, my ancestors heard my prayers. This throne is not partisan but I should support what is good for my people. I urge the youths to be tough and strong in the face of adversity. This is not for anybody else. It is for my ancestors.”

    Governor Monday Okpebholo has promised that his administration would build necessary infrastructure to preserve the returned artefacts as well as collaborate with the federal government to improve the storage system for the artefacts. Edo people and the rest of the world are waiting for the official opening of the Benin Royal Musuem for the purpose of connecting to the history of an ancient empire.

  • Oba suspends 67 Enigie in Benin Kingdom

    Oba suspends 67 Enigie in Benin Kingdom

    Sixty seven Enigie in Benin Kingdom have been suspended.

    The Benin Traditional Council announced their suspension yesterday.

    Secretary of Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor,  made this known in a statement in Benin.

    Irabor said that their suspension was as a result of their anti-palace and rebellious activities against the Oba of Benin and the traditional institution.

    “This decision was made by Ewuare ll, Oba of Benin, due to their alleged anti-palace and rebellious activities against the Oba of Benin and the traditional institution,” he said.

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    According to him, the suspended Enigie’s names have been attached to the notification for information and necessary follow-up action.

    It will be recalled that some of the suspended Enigie, including Prof. Gregory Akenzua and Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen, have earlier challenged their suspension in a Benin High Court.

    They argued that the Oba of Benin does not have the authority to suspend them, under the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law.

  • ‘The secret of my youthful look’

    Chief Oseni Elamah is a man of many parts. He is the Executive Secretary of the Joint Tax Board (JTB), the Okaoivbiore of Benin Kingdom, the Gimba of Auchi Kingdom, a Knight of the Order of Saint Mulumba in the Catholic Church and a member of the Nigerian Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies. Until his present appointment as the Executive Secretary of the JTB, he was the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Revenue Service. He turns 60 on Sunday (March 24). As part of activities to mark the occasion, he fielded questions from a group of reporters. Excerpts: 

    Q: Sir, yours has undoubtedly been a remarkable life, rising from very humble beginnings in Auchi in Edo State to becoming a successful accountant with name-recognition at the national level. Can you please share some of the memorable milestones with us and the values that propelled you to success?

     

    A:Thank you very much. I think first and foremost, I’ll like to give gratitude to God Almighty for his grace upon my life, for being born into this Earth. I also pay special appreciation to my dear parents, my father Alhaji Nasiru Dodo Elamah and my mother Alhaja Salamatu Mary Elamah.

    I was born in Auchi, born a twin with a twin sister and I started my primary school at a very early age.  I had previously had an interest in reading Architecture. I had in fact gotten admission to the University of Nigeria Nsukka, but my Uncle, Chief P. S. Salawe, was more interested in me reading Accountancy. He wanted me to toe his own career path, being the Auditor General. I think he was also instrumental to my being able to secure an in-service training from the Bendel State Government when I got admission to Auchi Polytechnic to read Accountancy. On that basis, I spent about two months in Nsukka before I had to come back because I now had an in-service training to read Accountancy, so I proceeded to Auchi Polytechnic.

    On completion of my Diploma Course in Accountancy in Auchi, since I was on in-service training, whenever I was on holidays, I came back to work. But on completion, I now decided to take a step further by undertaking the professional exam to qualify me as a Chartered Accountant.

    In 1998, during the administration of General Abdusalami Abubabakar, I was with the pioneer Group Managing Director of NNPC Chief Aret Adams, who was a mentor to me, when he was called to take up the position of the Special Adviser on Petroleum to the Head of State and he requested that I go with him to Abuja. On getting to Abuja, I was then appointed a Senior Special Assistant to the Head of State on Petroleum under the Office of the Special Adviser on Petroleum. So, I worked closely with the late Chief Aret Adams in the Petroleum Ministry until the transition to civilian rule ushered in the Olusegun Obasanjo administration in 1999.

    I then went back to Lagos and with my friend, Femi Osunde who was then working with Captain Hosa Okunbor in a comapny called Hoselyn Oil and Gas and with my assistance we were able to secure a $12million contract to build the Oredo flowstation facility in Benin, and I was then made the Executive Director in charge of Business Development. It was from there that the late Chief Aret Adams requested that I should join him at Multinational Expertise, and I was asked to develop a new business line. In doing that, we had a joint venture relationship with an international oil field supplying Company, Craig Energy Services based in Aberdeen Scotland and with that we formed the company called Multinational Craig Energy Services and I was appointed the pioneer Managing Director and Chief Executive.

    In 2002, we moved to expand the capital base of Multinational Craig Energy Services, and we had just finished a Board Meeting before proceeding on a family vacation with my family to the United States. But about two weeks before I travelled, I had gone to Abuja on the instruction of the late Chief Aret Adams to submit a proposal to the then National Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) where Comrade Adams Oshiomhole was the Chairman and also the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President.

    The proposal was on how to assist the NSITF to better grow its membership contribution so that they could deliver more services to workers. I went on that mission and on getting to submit the proposal, I met with the Managing Director of NSITF, Alhaji Abba Aji, and the then General Manager, Finance and Investment, Ahmed Rufai, who later became the Managing Director. By the time we finished the meeting, I then met with Comrade Adams Oshiomhole who noted that the proposal looked so convincing but that the only challenge was that the company may not have the people to translate the proposal into reality. He then asked if I would want to come on board and take up an Executive position. I told him there and then that I was not in a position to give him an answer but instead he should speak to my mentor who sent me.

    He put a call through to Chief Aret Adams who told him they would meet on his next visit. I went back to Lagos to honour a meeting and after the meeting, Chief Aret Adams personally dropped me off at the Airport from where I proceeded on my scheduled vacation with my family. But, just the next week after I got to New Jersey, I got this call, a very sad news, to the effect that Chief Aret Adams, on his way back from Port Harcourt where he had gone to flag off a community Trust Fund for the first indigenous Marginal Field Development Company, the Niger Delta Development Resources, had a stroke aboard the Aero flight from Port Harcourt and he was taken to the hospital. Unfortunately, by the next morning, he had transited. This devastating incident was one of the saddest moments of my life, and till date, when I recall the good memories of Chief Aret Adams who had mentored me to what I have become today, I am moved to tears with grief.

    I cut short my trip, my family vacation, left my family and took the next available flight I could find through Paris back to Nigeria. When I got to Nigeria, by the time they did the burial, it was then that Comrade Oshiomhole informed me that the late Chief Aret Adams after the meeting they had, had given his go ahead that I should proceed to join the NSITF.

    I was there till 2007 when Adams Oshiomhole ran for the Governorship of Edo state. Immediately he recovered the mandate, I was the first to be appointed under the Edo State Government of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to head the Assets Verification Committee which was charged with the responsibility of ascertaining the assets and liabilities of Edo State as at when he took over, and also to help chart a way for the new government that was coming into place to ensure that there was value for money for Government money spent. This was to ensure that there is transparency and accountability in all Government transactions. At the end of that exercise, I was appointed a Special Adviser on Fiscal Governance and Project Monitoring. I was there till July 2011 when I was made to take up the position of the Chairman of the Edo State Revenue Board. That was where we started the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) reforms, where we put together the Legal Framework that was eventually passed by the Edo State House of Assembly and signed into Law, giving birth to the Edo State Internal Revenue Service and I became the pioneer Executive Chairman of the Service.

     

    Q: Wow, that has been a most eventful and interesting journey; and it is memorable and inspiring. On that note, I like to ask how does it feel to be 60?

     

    A: Well, I think honestly, I don’t feel anything different now. Sometimes when I look at some of my pictures. I just see 60 as just a number. I feel it is just looking at the fact that there’s still a to be done. I just see it as a very short period given all that I’ve narrated. I believe that God has given me a special calling and endowed me so much with good health and some unique talents that I believe he wants me to use in being a blessing to my fellow human beings and also impacting the society.

    And I believe that as one attains this age, I want to try as much as possible to give back to society from the blessings that I’ve received myself from God.

     

    Q: At 60, do you have any regrets? Or in other words, given another opportunity, what would you have done differently?

     

    A: I think at 60, it’s a lot of gratitude and thanksgiving to God. What experience or what I’ve gone through in life is something that has already been ordained by God and I have found no regrets whatsoever. If I were to live my life again, I believe that the way I live it will equally be in the hands of God. So, like they say, we human beings are just like pencil in the hands of God. He will use us as he has so destined to. The only thing that is left is for us to be very prayerful so as to be able to access that which God has destined for us. So, I have no regrets but instead I have so much of gratitude and so much of appreciation and so much of thanksgiving.

     

      Q: Sir, your youthful and athletic look belies your age of 60. Can you please share with us the secret of your youthful look?

     

     A: I think the secret of my youthful looks is a key that is in the hands of God and to be able to get access to that key you need a lot of prayers. So, first of all I am very prayerful to God. I start everyday with prayers and thereafter I also am addicted to working out, engaging in early morning exercise and getting fit. I go to the gymnasium. I have a very regimented routine. When I finish doing that, I do my morning preparation, take my bath, get ready for work.

    Because of the way I work outside the home with my family, I am not used to having breakfast at home. I go with my breakfast pack to the office and my breakfast is just basically oatmeal, fruits and vegetable, juice and that may just be what I need for the whole day or until I close from work.

    But I think what is basically responsible for my youthful looks apart from the blessings that God has given me through my parents is that I also maintain  very disciplined eating habits and disciplined lifestyle. Normally what happens is that there are certain things that I will ordinarily not be interested in eating, but over and above that, it is a blessing from God to be of good health.

     

       Q: Sir, you are credited as spearheading the bold reforms that catapulted IGR from a mere N300m a month to close to N2b in Edo State within a relatively short time as the chairman of the State Internal Revenue Service. How did you do it?

     

    A:Well, thank you very much. You call it a feat, but I think it is something that you should plan and work for. Whatever you achieve is what has been envisioned, so one was very clear as to the vision that one wanted to attain in going to the Edo State Internal Revenue Service.

    Having had the opportunity of serving as the Chairman of the Assets Verification Committee and also as the Special Adviser on Fiscal Governance and Project Monitoring under Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, it was very clear that I wanted to demonstrate that it was possible to make Edo State work for the citizens of the State and to add value to their lives. Therefore, the government needed all the resources it could muster to execute so many of the laudable social and infrastructural programmes.

    Starting from one’s experience in the previous assignment that one had had both in the private and public sectors, I believe that it was those experiences and given the enabling environment that was provided by the Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and the confidence and trust that he had in me as a person, enabled me. Furthermore, working closely with young men and women who were fired to building a career for themselves and making their own little contribution towards the development of Edo State, we were able to achieve the results we achieved.

    I believe that there is still a whole lot more that Edo State Internal Revenue Service is going to attain given the crop of committed and dedicated workforce that we were able to put in place that are leveraging on Information Communications Technology in delivering quality service not just to the Edo State Government, but to taxpayers and to other major stakeholders in Nigeria.

     

     Q: That leads us to the next question. You are currently the Executive Secretary of the Joint Tax Board (JTB) which encompasses amongst others, all the revenue authorities in the Federation including the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the various State Revenue Authorities, including the FCT Internal Revenue Service. What lessons do you think can be borrowed by these revenue authorities to deepen the tax net?

     

       A: I think it is actually a rare privilege to collaborate and support one of those that I will call the prime movers and the pioneers at carrying out major reforms in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of various Governments. The current Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Babatunde Fowler, who also doubles as the Chairman of the Joint Tax Board (JTB) was the pioneer Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) where the IGR reforms were midwifed by the then Executive Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and he was at the forefront of carrying out those reforms.

    I think currently, Mr. Babatunde Fowler has demonstrated exactly what he did In Lagos and is deepening those performance at the FIRS. For the first time the FIRS generated the highest revenue ever of about N5.3 trillion for the year 2018, and in the new year with further deepening of those reforms, it is targeted that the FIRS will be able to generate between N8-N10trillion in year 2019.

    What most people don’t really realize is that the money generated by the FIRS is for the entire Federation, both the Federal, State and Local Governments in the Federation Account. So, it is adding value to the various tiers of government in their revenue drive; and I think his chairmanship of the JTB often shows us that working in collaboration with him and from the various experiences that we have gathered I think we cannot have a better opportunity than now for us to be able to help ensure that the various revenue authorities do not need to re-invent the wheel, they just have to take off from the experiences we have, and using those recipe and with greater commitment and dedication, I think they can also generate revenue that are sustainable for the development of various States.

    The collaboration among the various revenue agencies and critical stakeholders initiated by Mr. Babatunde Fowler is geared towards having an inclusive tax revenue administration system in Nigeria anchored on treating the taxpayer as king.

     

    Q: That is just fantastic. Moving away, from revenue issues now, you were seen as enjoying a special relationship with the late revered monarch of the great Benin Kingdom, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Oba Erediauwa, even though you hail from Auchi. He even made you the Okaoivbiore (Head of the Youths) of Benin Kingdom. What was the chemistry between you?

     

    A: I think I was just privileged. Like I said, whatever happens to me in life has already been destined by God, it’s just for you to be able to be get the key to it. With prayers you get the key to what has been so destined. My first major encounter with our father the then monarch of Benin Kingdom, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Oba Erediauwa, was when I was an audit clerk. He was then the Crown Prince of Benin Kingdom and also the Commissioner for Finance of then Bendel State, and I had the privilege of carrying out the cash audit at the Ministry of Finance under his office. That was the first time we met. There was an incident that did occur when he referred to me as “my auditor”.

    Many years later when I went in company of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole who was then contesting for governorship of Edo State, to the Palace and was being introduced, he recalled again to say “Is that not my young auditor?” I said I was the one, and he was wondering what I was doing in politics and I said I wasn’t actually in politics, that I only escorted a friend and brother to pay a visit to him at the Palace. Of course, he recalled that first encounter as an audit clerk when I had come to do a cash survey and I requested for proper retirement of a certain amount which His Royal Majesty (His Royal Highness then) had already passed on to his Secretary for retirement, but who instead kept the cash receipts in his drawer; and because I made the enquiry, he proceeded to report me to His Royal Highness. It turned out that what the Secretary had planned to use to intimidate and punish me became a blessing and elevated me, and I found favour in the sight of His Royal Highness.

    So, when Comrade Adams Oshiomhole now came on board, he watched severally my sessions as Chairman of the Assets Verification Committee and also as Special Adviser on Fiscal Governance and Project Monitoring while monitoring projects. On one of thoseoccasions, he sent for me and asked to find out what government was doing especially regarding the Airport Road when they said they were going to bring down the Palace Walls. I explained what we were doing. He was so impressed that there and then he requested that one of his daughter work with me so that she can get to learn some things and gain some experience, and she did. The way I was able to mentor her, I think His Royal Majesty was very pleased and asked that as a mark of appreciation they should offer me some traditional beads if I would accept. I said I would be so humbled to be given some traditional beads by His Royal Majesty, and when I went on a thank you visit, I told him how pleased I was and that I am ready to serve in any capacity as a way to support him.

    It was then that the issue of being given a chieftaincy title came about, and if you correctly recall, in Benin culture and tradition they don’t have honorary chieftaincy title they just throw about to people. It’s on record that chieftaincy titles in Benin are so documented that once a title is given, it’s not repeated anywhere unless the holder is no longer alive.

    For me coming from Edo North or Auchi didn’t really matter to His Royal Majesty because he had already taken me as one of his sons, and having lived in Benin over the years and my close relationship with some members of the royal family, he had no hesitation whatsoever and that is how I was conferred with the Okaoivbiore of Benin Kingdom by His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba N’Edo Oba Erediauwa and the rest is history.

     

        Q:This relationship has also extended to the current Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’EdoUku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II. Could you please enlighten us on your relationship with the present Oba Ewuare II?

     

       A:Thank you very much. I just mentioned that even as I was being given the title by Oba Erediauwa, I had been in close relationship with the Benin Royal family. I recall my first encounter with the current Oba was when he was a Crown Prince. I was assigned by my late mentor Chief Aret Adams to carry out a feasibility study towards the setting up of an independent petroleum marketing company, and that marketing company was actually for the Crown Prince. It was eventually established in Benin and since then we’ve been in close contact.

    Of course, when we came to Benin under the Comrade Adams Oshiomhole administration, His Royal Majesty was then serving as the Nigerian Ambassador in Rome and he had extended an invitation to me and my wife to visit him, and we did visit him; and each time he was in Nigeria, I went to see him.

     

    By Benin tradition, the Obaship is one. The Oba is not made, the Oba is born. So, from day one that the Crown Prince was born he was destined to be Oba. So, the transition from Oba Erediauwa to Oba Ewuare II goes along with all that is associated with the Benin throne. Therefore, the Chiefs that were appointed by Oba Erediauwa were automatically Chiefs of Oba Ewuare II. For me, since I’ve always been in close relationship and my determination and willingness to support the Palace, it is predicated on the fact that I have demonstrated a level of commitment, honesty and integrity in handling all assigned traditional duties and functions that has been given to me and that is what has endeared me to His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II who has zero tolerance for dishonesty and lies. Therefore, I think I am just in my natural habitat being with His Royal Majesty.

     

    Q: You are known to be a good family man. What is the secret of your happy marriage of about 27 years?

     

    A:The secret of our happy marriage is that we have made it into a tripod. That is my wife, myself and our creator, our God. We have found out that the more we draw closer to God the more we draw closer to ourselves.

    In this marriage for 27 years, I think I’ve mentioned it to my late mentor before he passed on, in all that I have been able to witness and achieve and experience, I think my wife has actually been the talisman.

    She is a source of happiness, she is a pillar of support, she is a bundle of joy to be with, she is selfless and above that, she is committed to serving God. In all situations, she’s been the one supporting myself and the family with prayers, she intercedes on our behalf always. She is not materialistic. She is a very natural person. She is just modest in her expectations and her material wants. Instead, she craves more for her spiritual wellbeing and that of the family. So, my wife is the secret. I always tell her that she’s my twin sister, so she’s the source of my happiness and the source of my success.

    She’s been involved in marriage counselling for couples coming up. In her position as the President of the CWO in our parish she takes time to do this and she lectures, and she counsels. Like I said, I can’t remember having a disagreement or quarrel with my wife going into the next day and not even a third party.

     

       Q:On a lighter note sir, how do you relax, how do you wind down? What relaxes you after all the stress and effort of work?

     

      A:Well, like they say, all work and no play make Jack a dull boy. Just as I like working hard, I also like to relax. Like I spend time in doing exercise, I play golf, I do a lot of reading, I listen to news. I also engage in mentoring. I relax with friends, once in a while if there is a party. But I don’t go to night clubs, but if somebody is celebrating, I join in celebrating at social events and I spend a lot of time with elderly ones. I take a lot of words of wisdom from them and then of course I take joy in empowering young men and women, gives me joy and satisfaction, those are the kind of things that make me relax.

    I also enjoy sharing good jokes and good times with my wife and children. We always have something to talk about, to laugh about. Each time I remember the jokes and good times we share, no matter how far away I am from home, a smile always come to my face. On a recent trip to New York with my wife, we were watching the television where they said for One dollar a man can marry a wife. It was such a funny episode and each time we remember it, we just laugh. And then my kids also are a source of joy and relaxation to us because of their endeavour and they have also imbibed the values that we have treasured over the years. These are what actually give me a lot of relaxation.

  • Omosede Igninedion, friends honour George Weah

    Omosede Igninedion, friends honour George Weah

    Even though their family backgrounds and territorial issues proved the cog that ruined the wheels of their “happily ever after,” daughter of Esama of Benin Kingdom, Omosede Igbinedion, and the new President of Liberia, George Weah, still share the singular flame that ignited their hearts in sparks of love many moons ago.

    Although they could not stay together, they have maintained a close friendship ever since. Little wonder Omosede was in her elements as she celebrated her former flame and best friend’s ascension to the seat of Liberian president. Although she did her people’s bidding and married Benin prince Akenzua, producing a boy in the process, it was obvious that her heart was not in the marriage. Little wonder the union crumbled like a pack of cards barely two years later.

    One thing that remained constant was her devotion to George as the two remained in touch even after the latter appeared to have moved on with his own life and ventured into politics. Having finally achieved his dream of ruling Liberia, there was no way Omosede, his first love, was going to miss his inauguration.

    The beautiful daughter of Sir Gabriel Igbinedion and her friends were out in full force to show solidarity with George as they were all dressed in expensive royal blue lace as aso ebi (ceremonial uniform).

  • Buhari hails Benin Kingdom for stabilising Nigeria

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday expressed delight with the stabilising roles the Eweka Dynasty of Benin Kingdom had been playing in the affairs of the country.

    He spoke when he received Oba of Benin Omo N’Oba Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II at the State House in Abuja.

    He said Nigerians have reasons to be proud of the stabilising roles Benin chiefs had played right from the colonial era to the present period in the Delta region and the entire country.

    Buhari, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, singled out the role of the immediate past Oba of Benin, Oba Erediauwa I, who he described as his “back bone of support” when he was Federal Commissioner of Petroleum Resources and the late Oba was a Federal Permanent Secretary.

    “I cannot hold back my emotions, talking about my relationship with your predecessor. After General Murtala Mohammed was assassinated, I was moved from the North-East as governor to Ministry of Petroleum. Your father was then Permanent Secretary. My relationship with him was very strong. I have lost count of the number of visits to his palace as Oba,” he said.

    Buhari praised the late Oba for “stabilising that part of the country because of his firmness. I must also commend the immediate past Governor Adams Oshiomhole for stabilising Edo State.”

    Welcoming Oba Ewuare’s delegation made up of chiefs from other parts of Edo State, including the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, the President lauded His Royal Majesty for following the footsteps of his predecessor while reiterating his support for the traditional institution.

    “I know and respect the traditional institution. I try as much as possible to understand why the authors of our constitution kept silent about their role,” he said, noting however, that this was probably the best way to preserve their neutrality.

    “Your Royal Majesty, you are safe where you are,” the President added.

    Oba Ewuare II, who commended the President for his handling of security matters in the country, urged the Federal Government to establish industries in the rural areas to curb unemployment, rural-urban migration and human trafficking.

    According to a copy of the speech read at the meeting, the Oba of Benin said: “Mr. President, what you are yet to do for us includes the areas of more infrastructural development, security, human trafficking and to complete Benin-Auchi road dualisation.

    “Human trafficking incidents are not reducing. What NGOs are doing is merely palliative and at best scratching the surface. Some NGOs may even be in business for themselves. “Federal Government needs to assist Edo State to develop low to medium scale cluster industries or establish factories in each LGAs to reduce unemployment and prompt urban to rural migration in order to decongest the centre for a very holistic development in Edo state.”

    He hailed the President for the manner security issues were being handled in the country.

  • Benin Arts, cultural heritage best in Africa – USA

    Benin Arts, cultural heritage best in Africa – USA

    The U. S. Consul General, Mr John Bray has said that the Benin arts and cultural heritage remains the best in Africa.

    Bray said this on Friday when the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Williams Stuart led a team to the palace of Oba Ewuare II in Benin.

    He told the monarch that they were in his palace to inform him of the Solomon Alonge exhibition of African arts by Smithsonian National Museum in Benin.

    Alonge (1911–1994) is one of Nigeria’s premiere photographers and the first official photographer of the royal court of Benin, Nigeria.

    “The Benin arts and cultural heritage remains the best in Africa,” Bray said adding that the United States had already set up a fund for the revitalisation of museums in Nigeria.

    Earlier, Stuart told the Oba that he and his delegation were in Benin for the historic grand opening of Alonge exhibition at National Museum.

    Stuart said the event which he described as first of its kind was sponsored by U.S. government and Heritage Bank.

    In his response, Oba Ewuare said that the uniqueness of the Benin art, culture and traditional heritage was yet to be surpassed or dominated by the rest of the world.

    Ewuare said that the exhibition of African art by Nigerians in Diaspora in Benin marked the beginning of cultural intellectuals.

    He expressed optimism that the alleged Benin artworks “forcefully snatched’’ abroad would be brought home.

    He canvassed for the establishment of more cultural centres for art, traditions and cultural heritage of Nigeria across all parts of the country so as to regain the lost societal values and norms, especially among the new generation.

    The Benin monarch, who also spoke on the impact of climate change, urged global leaders to develop a stronger blueprint to control environmental pollution rather than display strength through nuclear weapons.

    Oba Ewuare explained that African countries and other nations in a conflict were on the receiving end of the negative aftermaths of wars.

    While cautioning world leaders to achieve peace, the Oba also called on U.S. government and European countries to return all the artefacts illegally carted away from Benin kingdom during the European evasion of the 13th century.

    The highlight of the visit was the offer of prayers by the monarch to his ancestors for the safe return of all looted artefacts from Benin kingdom during the invasion by colonial masters in the 13th century.

    NAN reports that Alonge’s work spans half a century and presents a dynamic continuous record of the reigns of Oba Akenzua II (1933–78) and late Oba Erediauwa and the political and social events surrounding the royal palace.

    For five decades, Alonge photographed the royal wives and children, visiting dignitaries and politicians, and annual festivals and court ceremonies from a unique insider’s perspective.

  • Council suspends Benin kingdom’s chief priest

    The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has suspended Nosakhare Isekhure as the Isekhure (Chief Priest) of Benin Kingdom for alleged intransigence.

    Acting on the authority of the Oba of Benin, Omo N’ Oba N’Edo, Ewuare II, BTC announced the suspension of Isekhure at a news conference in Benin City.

    The Iyase (Prime Minister) of Benin, Chief Sam Igbe, who addressed reporters, said: “Chief Isekhure desecrated the position he held in trust for the palace.

    “He operated a parallel palace where he took bribes and reviewed already decided cases.’’

    Igbe said the duties performed by the Isekhure “have now reverted to the original owner, the Ihama of Benin, who is the head of the Ihama N’ihogbe.’’

    The Iyase, who went down memory lane, said: “The responsibilities initially being performed by the Isekhure were part of the traditional duties of Ihama.’’

    He said the duties were handed over to the Isekhure family when the original Ihama became old and could no longer perform his duties during the reign of Oba Ewedo about 1280 AD, who then created the Isekhure title.

    Igbe said Isekhure, in the last few years, “designated his house as a palace where he held court and sometimes reviewed cases already dealt with in the Oba’s palace.’’

    The BTC, which accused Isekhure of corruption, said: “Of course, gratifications were offered or forced and collected.

    “He used his position to influence new chiefs, celebrating their investiture to perform certain rites in his home, during which money, kola nuts and drinks were collected.’’

    Igbe accused Isekhure of being disrespectful to the palace.

    “He turned himself into a be-all and all-knowing authority in the Benin culture and tradition, especially palace procedures.

    “The profanities and denigrations that issued from him and his followers during our mourning period are better just forgotten.

    “During this period, he told those who cared to listen to him that neither the Emwin nekhua (Oba’s burial rites) nor the consequent coronation could hold without him.

    “During Emwin nekhua, he neglected and deliberately refused to perform his traditional duties before, during and after the event, and has since remained infinitely unrepentant.

    “We cannot believe that anyone, any Benin individual, who knows what the motivating Benin culture is, and has worn the toga of a Benin chief, could do what Isekhure did these past two years.

    “We find it difficult to accept the idea that he was a chief. The disconnect has become actual and natural.

    “We recommend in the circumstances, therefore, that he be suspended and with the authority of Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolopkolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin.

    “He is, with effect from today, suspended indefinitely from performing the duties of Isekhure title.

    “Those duties were originally performed by Ihama of Benin. They will now revert to the Ihama N’Ihogbe,’’ he said.

  • NGA honours monarch with Art of Benin Kingdom

    NGA honours monarch with Art of Benin Kingdom

    It has the imprimatur of the artist-elongated figure, pointed lips, full beaded. The sensuality is all too evident.  A temptress?  But the skilfully executed bronze bust, entitled: Edo Maiden, is far from matters of the flesh.

    “It has to do with a woman that is pure, virtuous, young and innocent,” explains the artist, Dr. Franklyn Egwali, a Senior Lecturer in Sculpture, Department of Fine & Applied Art, University of Benin.

    Executing the piece in the tricky medium of bronze did not pose much of a challenge to the artist. “I went to the studio, modelled it and produced,” he says casually. Still, it took three months to complete.

     

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    The thrust of Bimpe Owoyemi’s painting, Portrait of Oba Ewuare II, on the other hand, is the new Benin monarch. The artist, who did the portrait of the immediate past king, Oba Erediawa, seven years ago is fascinated by the uncommon look of an Oba-unsmiling, yet charming! And to capture this, she had to use red. On her inspiration for the work, she says: “I thought it would be an honour since he is the reason for the celebration. It was specially done for the coronation…”

    How coincidental?As this was precisely the reason, the National Gallery of Art (NGA) organised the exhibition, entitled: “Art of Benin Kingdom,” an exhibition of paintings, sculptures and drawings among others to highlight the rich art and tradition of Benin as part of activities to mark the coronation of Oba Ewuare II. Works of renowned Benin artists, alive and dead, alongside young artists were on display to the delight of viewers.

    Though NGA organises an annual art exhibition in Benin during the popular Igue festival, this particular edition was dedicated to the new oba.

    Some of the artists  praised the exhibition.  Leo Esezobor, a full-time artist, whose painting, Ugie, depicts a festive scene with chiefs decked in various celebration regalia, the bright colour he utilised accentuating the joyful mood, said: “I am glad that the exhibition was organised as part of the coronation of a new Oba.  Michael Igbowe, a sculptor and full time artist on his part believes that the exhibition demonstrates that art and tradition go together.

    “The concept of the exhibition is timely and unique. All areas were covered. It is a complete exhibition. His bronze bust, Oba Ereduawa was adeptly done as a realistic work. On why he chose the subject, he says: “He was the Oba that I admired for his peaceful reign. I had encounters with him at various fora and they were inspiring.” And Dr. Franklyn Egwali put his impression of the exhibition this way: “All the exhibits show the power of our art in all its ramifications.”

    On the significance of the exhibition, the host and member, House of Representatives, Oredo Federal Constituency as well as Chairman, House Committee on Culture & Tourism, Hon. Ogbeide-Ihama Omoregie, says:  ”When the Benin Kingdom is mentioned globally, four things readily come to mind,- rich culture, deep tradition, extensive history, and exquisite art. The once-in-a-lifetime event of a new Oba’s coronation in Benin Kingdom is an event that embodies all of these factors. It was, therefore, appropriate to put together a platform like the Art Exhibition that showcased the beauty and creativity of our arts and crafts across various medium like paintings, metal, bronze, fibre, ivory and wood works to complement the rich culture, history and tradition that the coronation ceremony itself presented.”

    To him, the exhibition was indeed a beauty. ”It fulfilled all of our objectives in terms of the quality and variety of works on display, the pedigree of exhibiting artists, the presence and participation of top dignitaries, and the influx of visitors.  Talking about pedigree of artists, I was pleased to see on display, one of the sculpted works of the renowned sculptor, Duke Igbinedion, who produced the iconic NASS Monument sculpture of a hand holding the mace that stands in the open square of the National Assembly. We had a lot of our visitors-foreign and local who visited and were very impressed with what they saw.” He maintains that the whole event from the opening ceremony to the days of exhibition was well-organised, and “I must use this opportunity to thank the Minister of Information and Culture and the National Gallery of Art for their cooperation with my committee in organising a memorable event. I must also thank the Oba’s Palace, the Coronation Planning Committee headed by HRH Prof. (Enogie) Gregory Akenzua and The Iyasere of Benin, Chief Sam Igbe, among  others, who supported us in having an outstanding event.”

    This sentiment is echoed by the  National Gallery of Art  Director-General, Abdullahi Muku. “It was a huge success. The Iyasere so appreciated the exhibition that he wanted its duration extended! The Gallery did it in appreciation of the rich art and tradition of Benin with the possibility of opening up their art to the domestic and international market,” he said.

    Among the Galleries that participated in the exhibition are: Idubor Art Gallery, DIVAS Art Gallery, Crowne Art Gallery, MVM Art Gallery and Black Passionate Art Gallery while the institutions include University of Benin (UNIBEN) and Auchi Polytechnic.

     

  • Prince Erediauwa crowned 39th Oba of Benin

    Prince Erediauwa crowned 39th Oba of Benin

    Crown Prince of Benin Kingdom, Prince Eheneden Erediauwa has been crowned the 39th Oba of Benin Kingdom.

    Prince Erediauwa was crowned at about 2am on Thursday by the Usama N’ Ihiron also known as the Edion led by Chief Oliha.

    Other members of the Edion are Edohen, Ezomo, Ero, Eholo N’ Ire, Oloton and Edaiken.

    The crowning was done at a private ceremony inside the Usama Palace, a temporary building erected for the coronation ceremony.

    However, the name of the new Oba is still being kept from the public until the Oba is presented to the public at Urhokpota hall.

    Sources said that after the coronation ceremony was performed in the inner chambers, the new Oba was presented to the people outside.

    Unlike before when the Crown Prince move about without covering his mouth, the source said he wore the crown and used a white handkerchief to cover his mouth.

    It was gathered that there was huge jubilation around the Usama palace and great fireworks.

    Meanwhile, a large crowd has gathered at the Usama Palace to accompany the new Oba to Urhokpota.

    Among those present is Chief Omohor of Benin Kingdom, bearer of the ancient sword carried by the Oba, the Ikpakohen group ( royal drummers) from Ikpema responsible for beating the royal drum, Ekassa dance group, Isienmwenro guild amongst others.

    A bridge has been constructed at the now dried up Omi River and Chief Omoruyi Isekhere is waiting to take the Oba across the bridge.

    On his way to Urhokpota, the Oba will pass through Isekhere, performed some ceremony at Iwehen street under the watch of Ewaise N’ Iwehen  and proceeded to cross the bridge.

    Details later…

  • Benin Kingdom gets new Oba today 

    Benin Kingdom gets new Oba today 

    An historic event will happened in the land of the Igodomigodo today. The ancient Benin Kingdom, which used to be called Igodomigodo, will have a new Oba. The Crown Prince of the kingdom, Prince Eheneden Erediauwa, will be crowned the 39th Oba of Benin in a colourful ceremony.

    Benin Kingdom is as old as the beginning of the times, according to oral tradition. It is believed that the ladder used by Igodomigodo to climb down from the sky is still at Ugbekun, the community from where the Ogiso (Sky kings) ruled. The headquarters of the kingdom, which was fortified by the Moat, was described as a city more beautiful than Lisbon by the D’Aviera, the first Portuguese who visited Benin City. D’Aviera died and as buried in Benin. The well paved streets, such as Sokponba, Akpakpava, Mission Road, Plymouth Road, Sapele Road, are still in use in the ancient city.

    In preparation for the coronation ceremony, the city centre and major streets are wearing a new look. The new palace, which was built by Prince Erediauwa, is an architectural masterpiece. For the first time in over 900 years, the palace ground is being landscaped. Lights are placed in strategic places around the palace to give it a magnificent look.

    From Wednesday night, all the major roads to the city centre were condoned off. The Oba Ovoranmwen Square was closed to traffic. All commercial activities around the Oba Ovoranmwen Square have been prohibited while posters and banners of Prince Erediauwa adorned the streets.

    Already, Prince Erediauwa has played the Akhue game at the Ediaken N’Use Palace and chosen the name he will answer as the Oba. The name will be unveiled today at the presentation of the Staff of Office by Governor Adams Oshiomhole. Once the name is revealed, his children will also stop suing Erediauwa in their names.

    The journey to the throne began in May when the Crown Prince trekked from Benin to Uselu in Egor Local Government Area after he completed the rites and rituals to get the title of Edaiken N’Uselu. It was while he was at Uselu he performed the funeral rites of his father, Oba Erediauwa, whose transition was announced in April.

    After the completion of the funeral rites, Prince Erediauwa began the return trip to Benin, to ascend the throne of his ancestors.

    The joy of witnessing the coronation of a new Oba is that no one knows who will witness the next ceremony. The significance of the coronation ceremonies is that many shrines in various communities become known to the residents.

    Among the rites and rituals performed by Prince Erediauwa on his way to the throne are the symbolic climbing of a sacred palm tree, known as Udin Amamieson Amieuwa (Suffer before pleasure) and the symbolic wrestling with the Chief Priest of Okhuaihe Shrine, Osarodion Usuanlele, the Ohen N’Ukoni Neyedo at Evbuekoi in Uhunwode Local Government Area. Both men will never set eyes on each other again.

    Prince Erediauwa has also visited some shrines in some villages where he will be forbidden to enter again once he is crowned. Some of them are at Urhonigbe, Ikhibi and Ughoton, among others.

    What thrilled visitors and residents in Edo State was the uniqueness of the events, ceremonies and rituals, which were done the ways they were done since the 11th century. For instance, during the trekking of Prince Erediauwa, residents were told to remove their caps and head-ties. Residents were also told not to climb anything or stand upstairs to see the Oba.

    At Use, where the Crown Prince played the Akhue game, residents suspended all activities to welcome him. They wept and danced after he successfully played the game.

    The performance of Ekassa Dance by Ogbelaka, which was supported by Eguadase, added colour to the event. Ekassa is a mystic dance that was first performed during the reign of Oba Esigie in commemoration of his mother, Queen Idia, in the 15th century. The mystical dance is meant to cleanse the land of evils. It places curses on the Oba’s enemies.

    It is performed only at funeral obsequies of monarchs and during the installation of a new Oba. Only men and boys who have been purified spiritually are allowed to perform the dance.

    To some palace chiefs, it was an honour to witness the coronation of a new Oba. Chief Osamede Adun, the Aiyobahan of Benin Kingdom, said he was 25 years old when the late Oba Erediauwa was crowned in 1979 and that he stood among the crowd to watch the procession and coronation.

    He said: “I was about 29 years old then when Erediauwa was crowned. I was not a palace chief then. It was how they did it then; that is what is taking place now.

    “Today, I am the happiest person. Back then, I was looking from the crowd. But today, I am a top palace chief. Where I can get to now, you cannot reach there. I am very happy to be near my Oba.”

    Chief Adun described the Crown Prince as a man who abhors lies and embraces the truth.

    He said: “Edaiken himself, as a king, does not like lies. If you want to be closer or be his friend, tell him the truth. And once he finds out that you are not truthful, he will not be happy with you. I am advising all my fellow chiefs, if you are talking with our king, give him the true picture of things. But if he later finds out that you told him lies, he will never be happy with you.”

    Chief Ada Igbinovia, the Edosomwan of Benin Kingdom, said those who witnessing today’s coronation ceremony should count themselves lucky because of its uniqueness.

    Chief Osarobo Orue, the Oba Iyekeagbon of Benin Kingdom, who claimed to have witnessed the coronation of Oba Akenzua, prayed that the reign of the new Oba of Benin would bring peace than his predecessors.

    He said: “This is the third time I am witnessing the coronation of Obas of Benin. I witnessed the coronation of Oba Akenzua, Oba Erediauwa and that of Edaiken N’Usele. I will join in the trekking. I am 100 years old now.”

    Chief Egharevba Igbinehi, the Ohanwan of Benin, said his forefathers were among those who came with Prince Oranmiyan from Uhe (Ife).

    He said his function was to pray for the Oba before he begins any ceremony.

    Prince Erediauwa will be crowned at a private ceremony inside the Usama Palace by the Usama N’ Ihiron, also known as Edion, led by Chief Oliha. It is Chief Oliha who will pronounce the name of the Oba.

    Prince Erediauwa is expected to cross River Omiteghele with the assistance of Chief Isekhere. The river has dried but a bridge will be built while Isekhere will hold a paddle as he leads the Oba across the bridge.

    It is from there the Oba will go to Urhokpota where he will be presented to the people and his name made public.