According to the Swedish government, Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, would get back 39 items of antiques from Benin housed in the museum.
When Annika Hahn-Englund, the Swedish ambassador to Nigeria, made the Oba a courtesy call at his palace in Benin, Edo State, on Tuesday evening, she communicated the decision of the Swedish government.
According to Hahn-Englund, trade is the second-biggest market in Sub-Saharan Africa between Sweden and Nigeria.
She mentioned that the trade agreements cover industries such as energy, telecommunication, infrastructure, and other enterprises that greatly contribute to the economies of both nations.
“I would like to convey the Swedish government’s decision to return 39 artefacts to the kingdom of Benin,” she stated. The collaboration between the two nations in the fields of trade, education, and culture has made this feasible.
“It is a great honor for me to be here tonight, Your Majesty.”
In response, the Oba thanked the Swedish government and praised the decision on behalf of the Edo people.
The monarch of Benin recounted how, as the Nigerian ambassador to Scandinavia, he had made a request through His Royal Majesty Carl Gustaf Folke Hubertus, the monarch of Sweden, during the latter’s 1998 courtesy visit.
The Oba expressed satisfaction with partners’ support and commitment to the project, saying that the Federal Government-backed Benin Royal Museum project is still moving forward.
The National Commission for Museums and Monuments, an organization under the Federal Government of Nigeria that oversees the development, promotion, and protection of Nigeria’s cultural legacy, was also praised by the Oba.
The traditional ruler observed that the extraordinary reign and enduring love of the Swedish king remained irreversible and prayed for the diplomats.
“Demands for the return of looted Benin artifacts have been ongoing since Oba Akenzua II’s reign,” the Oba said. That the Swedish government . for a very long time. The ideal timing is always God’s time.
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