I Celebrate with My King, Oba Ewuare II on His Triumphs, Return of Coronation Stools and Homecoming of Benin Court Arts from Sweden – Omo-Ojo

By Reporter

A former Special Adviser on Arts, Culture and Tourism, to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Comrade Orobosa Omo-Ojo JP, has congratulated the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II on the return of two coronation stools used by Oba Esigie and Oba Eresonyen.

The wooden and bronze stools were delivered to the palace yesterday by the Director General of National Museum and Monuments, Mr. Olugbile Holloway.

Omo-Ojo also expressed his joy over the news by Annika Hahn-Englund, Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, that her country was ready to return 39 Court Arts from their museums.

The former Special Adviser who is also a Responsible Tourism Practitioner sent his goodwill message in a press statement today.

“On this momentous occasion, I join in the celebrations of His Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II on his recent victories over the enemies of Benin Kingdom.

I join especially to celebrate the return of Oba Esigie and Oba Eresonyen coronation stools. These two priceless pieces are world class that have remained awed by their intricate details.

Watching His Majesty’s captivating dance steps in front of his forebears stools was a complete captivating experience of pulsating rhythms, performed with rare display of emotions by the ‘home leopard’.

“Ogidigan, Ovbioba-Ovoranmwen N’Ogbaisi, I relate with your outpouring of joy which you displayed with the relentless showering of white chalk (Orue) on your ancestral stools.

“Iyare! Iyare!! Umogun!!! This is the beginning of many victories to come your way, Omo-Ojo assured.

“Before the August visit of Olugbile Holloway, the Director General of the National Commission for Museum and Monuments, who brought the two stolen stools, to the palace courtesy the German government, Sweden had also confirmed their readiness to return 39 Benin artefacts in their museums.

“Both developments are historical, but am particularly joyful that after several years of His Majesty’s physical request on the government of Sweden, the country’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Annika Hahn-Englund eventually brought the good news,” he reiterated.

Recounting his role in the restoration struggle, Omo-Ojo said that he “…was there on November 9, 2009 as head of Edo State delegation to Stockholm, where His Majesty Oba Ewuare II cut the ceremonial tape to declare the Ethnography Museum that housed the 39 Benin Court Arts that will soon be reunited to their home.

“In his speech on that memorable day, Omo N’Oba told the gathering of world heritage administrators, including the UNESCO’s representatives, that it was time the works and others around the globe be repatriated to Benin City. His Majesty also assured the audience of the plan to build Benin Royal Museum.

“The state government through me as Special Adviser on Arts, Culture and Tourism, added its voice by threatening dire economic and spiritual consequences if Sweden and other nations continue to ignore our request.

“In the spirit of the ongoing celebration in Benin Kingdom, I join our king to express gratitude to Holloway for the welcome surprise, and to Ambassador Annika Hahn-Englund of Sweden for Germany’s resolve to return 39 other pieces.

“Without doubt, the joy of Oba Ewuare II reflects the importance of preserving and showcasing Benin rich Cultural heritage.

“Oba ghato kpere! Iseee!!” The statement said.

Read Also: Edo People Celebrates with Oba Ewuare II, as Sweden Sets to Repatriate Benin Artefacts