The Swedish government has decided to repatriate 39 Benin antiques to the Oba of Benin. The Swedish government has decided to return 39 items of Benin artefacts from her museum to the custody of Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin.
The disclosure followed the publication of Federal Republic of Nigeria Gazette No. 57, Volume 110, pages A245-247 on March 23rd, 2023, which recognised ownership and vested the Oba of Benin with custody and management of repatriated Benin artefacts.
The Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Annika Hahn-Englund, conveyed the Swedish government’s decision during a courtesy visit to the Oba of Benin Palace in Benin City, Edo State.
Hahn-Englund informed the Royal Father that Sweden and Nigeria, Sub-Saharan Africa’s second largest market, are strategic partners in infrastructure, telecommunications, energy, and other companies that benefit the economies substantially.
The Swedish envoy stated, “I would also like to highlight that we have collaboration in Culture and Education with Nigeria; I would want to mention the decision of why the Swedish government must restore 39 artefacts to the Benin Kingdom.
So, your Majesty, I am quite honoured to be here tonight.” Ambassador Hahn-Englund remarked this while paying respects to Oba Ewuare II.
Oba Ewuare II responded on behalf of the Edo people, welcoming the decision and expressing his heartfelt gratitude to the Swedish government for its participation.
The Benin monarch remembers making a request through the Swedish monarch in 1998 to return Benin bronzes to Sweden during his courtesy visit as Nigeria’s ambassador to Scandinavian countries.
The traditional king confirmed that the federal government-backed Benin Royal Museum project was still on track and thanked partners for their support and dedication to the project.
The Oba also congratulated the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), a federal government organisation in charge of preserving, promoting, and developing Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
The traditional ruler, who prayed for members of the Diplomatic Mission, told a captivating story about his diplomatic exploits as Ambassador in the Scandinavian Countries, noting that the remarkable reign and enduring affection of the Swedish monarch, His Royal Majesty, Carl Gustaf Folke Hubertus, will be remembered.
Oba Ewuare II stated that the demand for the repatriation of looted Benin artefacts has been ongoing since Oba Akenzua II’s reign, and that it has now been authorised. I requested this a long time ago. “God’s timing is always best.”
To emphasise the historic nature of the visit to the Palace, the Ambassador, accompanied by her husband and a member of the Diplomatic Mission, presented a souvenir to Oba Ewuare II, who in turn gave the envoy a copy of the Federal Government Gazette on all Benin Artefacts in appreciation.