Benin agog with colourful posters on streets over return of looted artifacts

*The returned historical artifacts earlier handed over to the Federal Government were repatriated from Jesus College, in the University of Cambridge, and University of Aberdeen, in Scotland

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Excited over the repatriation of looted artifacts, Benin City, capital of Edo State of Nigeria, has been in festive mood since President Muhammadu Buhari ordered the return of the historical relics to the rightful places and owners ahead of the ceremony slated  for Monday, December13, 2021.

ConsumerConnect reports the colourful posters of some artifacts expected to be received by the Oba of Benin are adorning some major streets of the state capital

The posters, which also featured the photograph of Oba Ewaure II, were seen displayed along strategic streets, including Airport Road, in Benin City.

Recall that some of the Benin artworks were recently repatriated from Jesus College, in the University of Cambridge, and University of Aberdeen, Scotland, and handed over to the Federal Government.

Jesus College is a constituent college of the University of Cambridge, in the United Kingdom (UK). The college’s full name is said to be ‘The College of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint John the Evangelist and the glorious Virgin Saint Radegund, near Cambridge, and its common name comes from the name of its chapel, Jesus Chapel.

Frank Irabor, Secretary of Benin Traditional Council (BTC), in a statement noted there was a presidential directive to return the antiquities to the ancient palace of the Oba of Benin.

Irabor said the handing over of the returned artifacts would take place December 13, in the Oba’s Palace.

The statement also explained that the event would be used to mark the 5th Anniversary celebration of Oba Ewaure II on his ascension to the throne.