By; Ben Ogbemudia
Hon. Orobosa Omo-Ojo , a journalist, Founder, Tribal Heritage Centre, museum house, and Former Special Adviser to Edo State Government on Arts, Culture and Tourism on Monday called for understanding from those kicking against any proposed museums saying they do not understand the underbelly of their struggle for the return of these artefacts.

He said that at no other time did Benins as a people move so close to getting the volume of works the Germans, French and some private collectors have agreed to return.

‘But they will only return them with the assurance that they will be displayed in a world standard museum for (public enjoyment and entertainment).

‘The funds to build the museum will come from archeologically and heritage restoration multilateral agencies and they have a precondition tied to the money. My take is, as long as the Museums are built in Benin City, to generate funds and jobs, am in total support.

According to him, ‘Government can build a world-class cultural village like EMOWAA and support the construction and establishment of The Benin Royal Museum inside the Palace.

‘There are countless artefacts out there in Europe and America that can find rest in as many museums as possible. I have a museum here in Benin City and several others but that shouldn’t foreclose the expansion of our heritage asset.

‘There are over 200 Benin Court Arts locked up in Onikan Lagos at the National Museum. What effort have we made to demand their triumphant return to Benin City?

‘Emotions won’t put food on the table of Edo people. The problem here is that the government is refusing to engage the palace in the public space to explain what has transpired.

On the issue of ownership, Omo-Ojo said the UNESCO charter and the establishment of the National Commission for Museum and Monuments have altered the definition of ownership of heritage assets.

‘All over the world, governments are gifted with the ownership responsibility for ‘public interest’.

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‘The original owners where they are traceable negotiates and gets commensurate (compensation/royalties) from the commodification of the tangible items. In the present circumstance, the Benin Court Arts.

‘The details aren’t encouraging. Ego and selfism are at play, not minding the benefits that the project will accrue.’