General News
THE Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has called for collaboration with Rotarians for the return of over 3,000 looted Benin artefacts.
Ewuare made the call on Thursday when he received the Chief Executive Officer and Secretary-General of Rotary International, John Hewko, and his delegation at his palace.
The News Agency of Nigeria NAN recalls that the Benin artefacts were held by private collectors and some museums abroad after British forces invaded the Benin Royal Court during the 1897 expedition.
Ewuare urged the Rotarians to leverage their global membership to support the Benin Royal Court’s cultural advocacy.
“Many of our artefacts are in the hands of private collectors in America. I know that because I have seen them.
“Members of the Rotary Club are all over the place. I would like you to join forces to engage your European counterparts.
“Inform your counterparts that you are collaborating with the Benin Royal Court toward the return of about 3,000 artefacts that are out there,” he said.
Earlier, Rotarian Hewko commended Ewuare’s commitment to promoting peace and mediation in disputes in the state and beyond.
“Your Royal Majesty, it is a great pleasure to be here in your kingdom. I bring you greetings from Rotary International and on behalf of the 1.2 million Rotarians around the world.
“The concept of peace is extraordinarily important for us.
“We commend you for continuing to promote peace, bringing communities and people together, especially in a world that is so divided and faces many challenges,” he said. NAN
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MAY. 21, 2026
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