His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, Ogidigan, the monarch of Benin, had warned against any attempts by an individual or group to divert Benin artefacts, stating that the Edo people would oppose the action before it got out of hand.
Recall that the king had requested that, pending the establishment of the Benin Royal Museum, the Nigerian government temporarily assume custody of the 1,130 stolen Benin artefacts currently being held in Germany.
When the principal officials of the College of Education, Technical, Ekiadolor, Edo State, and members of the Benin Community in Abuja paid him a courtesy visit to his palace in Benin City, Oba Ewuare II made the claims.
The monarch also played host to the Edo United Union leaders in Rome, Italy, led by its President, Mr Edwin Omoregie.
Oba Ewuare noted that there is no controversy over the ownership or who should take possession of the repatriated Benin bronzes, which were produced on the mandate of his forebears in the Benin Kingdom Centuries ago.
The traditional ruler, who spoke in Benin Language, charged his loyal subjects and concerned authorities not to succumb to pressure from unnamed individuals treading on a lonely path to divert or sell the priceless treasures for personal gains.
“We won’t lose our heritage. You remember our Benin artefacts looted during the Benin invasion by foreigners. Some of them have agreed to return them. But, it should be returned to the Oba of Benin palace.
“Edo people worldwide should not allow anyone to bamboozle them to give up their heritage to strangers. Benin artefacts were made by the famous Igun Bronze Casters’ Guild in Benin on orders of our forebears. The palace gave them the enablement and approval to make them.
“Our artefacts will not go to another destination. It should come to the correct destination, the Oba of Benin palace. Edo people should not allow them to be either diverted or sold. Edo people will not let that happen. Our ancestors disapprove of it.
“Advice your supporters and others to counsel those who are making such moves to retrace their steps. You should insist that the right thing is done at the right time for the benefit of the Edo people”, Oba Ewuare ll said while commending notable Nigerians that have taken up the agitation for the return of the artworks.
Addressing the Benin throne, the President of Benin Community in Abuja, Lucky Odigie, commended the peaceful reign of the Oba of Benin and his proclamations that led to the abolition of Community Development Associations (CDAs) as a visible respite in curbing social vices in the society, particularly prostitution and human trafficking.
On his part, the Provost, College of Education, Technical, Ekiadolor, Dr Emmanuel Asagha, gave a brief history of the colleges and the process of the smooth take-off of the institution.
He, therefore, sued for Oba Ewuare II’s support towards the attainment of set goals in the tertiary institution.