Cambridge University and the University of London have vowed the advocacy for the safe return of stolen artefacts of the Benin Kingdom will be sustained until the artworks are safely returned.
Professor Nicholas Thomas of Cambridge University and Professor Mrs. Annie Coombes of the University of London, both experts in Benin History, made the vow when they visited Edo state.
In his remarks, Prof. Nicholas Thomas, said his experience in Benin City was exciting as the visit gave him the opportunity to see first-hand, the place where the historic stolen artefacts are fashioned in Igun Street.
“True knowledge about artworks is not in University museums but lies in the makers, creators, communities where these works are created,” Prof. Thomas said.
While speaking at a dinner organized for the professors at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki expressed appreciation to Nicholas and Annie for their advocacy for the safe return of artefacts of the Benin Kingdom looted during the 1897 invasion.
The governor revealed the state government is working with Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, to build a world-class Royal Museum, to hold stolen artefacts being recovered by the Benin Kingdom.
He countered the arguments of art collectors, who are still in possession of stolen artefacts from the Benin Kingdom and have maintained that the safety of the artifacts is not guaranteed if they are returned to the ancient Kingdom.
“The decision to establish a world-class museum at the Oba’s Palace, one of the safest places in the world, will encourage curators across Europe and in other parts of the world, to be confident and support the advocacy for the safe return of stolen artefacts of Benin Kingdom,” Obaseki stated.
“We hope your experience in Benin City will encourage you to sustain the advocacy for the return of our stolen artefacts. When the artefacts are returned, they will assist generations yet unborn to understand who they are, as a people and how they have dominated this environment in the past,” the governor further stated.