The Oba Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has disowned two groups which he described as “impostors“ fronting for the return of artifacts that the British looted from the palace in 1897.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), Mr. Frank Irabor, and the Secretary, Oba Ewuare II Foundation, Mr. Dennis Osaretin on Monday in Benin and made available to the newsmen.
The statement reads in part: “The individuals and persons who parade themselves as official representatives of the “Legacy Restoration Trust“ and “Legal Restoration Trust“ were neither known nor authorized by the Oba of Benin.”
The statement affirmed the Oba of Benin as the original owner of the looted artifacts and the custodian of Benin customs and tradition.
It cautioned that anyone caught engaging in such unwholesome activities would be treated as a fraudster and perceived as an enemy working against the interest of the Benin Kingdom and the Benin people.
The statement particularly warned one Enotie Paul Ogbebor, his agents, and privies to stop their unsolicited activities.
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“For the avoidance of doubts, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin remains the legitimate custodian of all insignia, symbols and such other artifacts depicting the rich cultural heritage of the Benin people”.
It added that and the only recognized legal entities for this remained the Oba Ewuare II Foundation and the Benin Traditional Council.
