Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC), candidate in the September 21, 2024, governorship election, Senator Monday Okpebholo has congratulated the Oba of Benin, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II over the Swedish government’s resolve to return 39 artefacts to the Benin Kingdom.
In a congratulatory message to the renowned traditional ruler, Okpebholo said it was a testament of the purpose-driven leadership of Oba Ewuare II as a diplomat-turned royal father.
He therefore charged the people of the state, especially those of the Benin Kingdom to support Oba Ewuare II to do more for them and Edo State in general.
Okpebholo, in the statement made available LEADERSHIP, extolled the qualities of Oba Ewuare, which he said, helped him as an Ambassador in Europe, where he championed the campaign for the return of the stolen artefacts to the Benin Kingdom.
The APC standard bearer asserted that the efforts of the Benin monarch as Ambassador were what the nation was enjoying today with the return of the stolen artefacts to where they truly belong.
Okpebholo said, “It is evident that your reign as the Oba of Great Benin is remarkably a turning point in the history of Benin Kingdom.
“The news of the return of the artefacts did not come as a surprise to many people and other Nigerians because of how you have redefined African cultural heritage both as a diplomat and as a royal father.”
Okpebholo added that “the stolen artefacts are very germane to the history of Benin Kingdom.
“The return of the artefacts, 127 years after they were stolen, reminds us of the travails of African heritage in the hands of colonial plunderers,” he said.
The federal lawmaker added that there was every reason to celebrate the resilience and tenacity of the monarch for adding so much value to the history of the people.
Senator Okpebholo also berated those he described as using their position to frustrate the effort of the Benin monarch in advancing the peace and history of the Edo people.
“I want to also use this opportunity to condemn all those who have used their exalted offices to undermine the value of the Benin monarch by infringing on the way of the return of the stolen artefacts to the palace of the Great Benin Kingdom, where they truly belong.”
He described the action of those involved as “regrettable and sacrilegious in our historical evolution.”
He assured the monarch of his support when elected as governor of Edo State in the September election
“My team and I shall harness the wealth of experience from the traditional institution, especially the palace of the Oba of Benin, in administering the good people of Edo state.
“We will stay on the path of truth and support the Benin monarch to achieve collective gains for the people of the state,” Okpebholo said.
The APC governorship candidate also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his support and cooperation with the Palace of the Oba of Benin on the Benin Royal Museum project, which he said will impact positively on the development of tourism in Edo State and Nigeria in general.
The Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Annika Hahn-Englund, while paying a courtesy visit to the Benin monarch earlier in the week, announced the decision of her country to return 39 stolen artefacts to the Benin Kingdom.
The announcement has also elicited reactions from many people, including politicians, with many of them commending the Oba.
