The Swedish government, yesterday, resolved to return 39 pieces of Benin artefacts in its Museum to the custody of the Oba of Benin, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II.
The disclosure followed Nigeria’s Gazette No. 57, Volume 110, pages A245-247, issued on March 23, 2023, which recognised the ownership of the artefacts, vesting the custody and management of repatriated Benin artefacts in the Oba of Benin.
The Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Annika Hahn-Englund, conveyed the decision when she paid a courtesy visit to the Oba of Benin Palace in Benin City, Edo State.
Hahn-Englund informed the royal father that Sweden and Nigeria, which is the second largest market in Sub-Saharan Africa, are trading partners, including infrastructure, telecommunication, energy and other businesses that supported the economies significantly.
The Swedish envoy said: “I would like to mention that with the cooperation we have in culture and education with Nigeria, the Swedish government has to return 39 artefacts to the Benin Kingdom.”
Responding, Oba Ewuare II, on behalf of the Edo people, also welcomed the decision, expressing gratitude to the Swedish government for the intervention.
The Benin monarch recalled how he made a request through the Swedish monarch in 1998 to return Benin Bronzes in Sweden during his courtesy visit to him as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Scandinavian countries.
The traditional ruler disclosed that the Federal Government-backed Benin Royal Museum project is still on course, commending partners for their support and devotion towards the project.
The Oba also commended the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), which is an agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria, responsible for the preservation, promotion, and development of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
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