Speaker says repatriation restores identity, heritage and justice for Edo people.
The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chief Blessing Sheriff Agbebaku, has represented Governor Monday Okpebholo at the Palace of the Oba of Benin during the official handover of Benin artefacts returned by the Government of Switzerland.
Agbebaku described the occasion as a historic and emotional moment for the people of Edo State, the Benin Kingdom and admirers of African history and cultural heritage across the world.
According to the Speaker, the return of the artefacts goes beyond the recovery of cultural objects, symbolising the restoration of identity, dignity, heritage and historical justice for the Benin people.
He noted that the development reaffirms the enduring significance of the rich cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom and the growing global recognition of the need to return looted artefacts to their rightful owners.
Agbebaku commended the Government of Switzerland for facilitating the return of the artefacts and expressed appreciation to all individuals and institutions whose efforts contributed to the successful repatriation.
He also reaffirmed the commitment of the Edo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, to preserving the state’s cultural heritage and promoting its rich history for future generations.
The ceremony at the Palace of the Oba of Benin marked another milestone in the international campaign for the repatriation of Benin artefacts, many of which were taken from the ancient Benin Kingdom during the 1897 British invasion.
