The Oba of Benin, Omo N'Oba N'Edo Uku Akplorkpolo, Oba Ewuare II, will celebrate his 10th coronation anniversary with a series of events, including the display of returned stolen artefacts. The artefacts were part of the works of art stolen by British soldiers during the Benin massacre of 1897. Many European museums have returned some of the artefacts to the Benin monarch. The artefacts will be displayed for public viewing as part of the anniversary celebrations.
The Chairman of the Organising Committee, Mr. Lucky Imasuen, a former deputy governor of Edo State, announced the events at a press conference. He said cultural troupes from the South-South and South-East geopolitical zones will perform during the celebrations. The events will also feature a concert showcasing musicians from Edo State, including Shalipopi. Imasuen said the celebrations will be a one-month-long event with various activities.
Imasuen provided more details about the cultural display, stating that cultural groups from the 18 local government areas of Edo State will participate. He also mentioned that groups from Delta, Ondo, Anambra, Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa communities will display their cultural talents. The Oba of Benin is considered the Oba for the entire people, and the event aims to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the kingdom.
The Calabar Carnival will also be part of the celebrations, starting at the Boys Scout ground near the Ogba Zoo. The procession will go through Airport Road to the Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre. Imasuen expressed excitement about the event, highlighting the significance of the Oba of Benin's kingdom.
On the public display of artefacts, Imasuen mentioned that the National Commission on Museum and Monument (NCMM) will handle the exhibition. The artefacts, stolen by British invaders in 1897, are gradually making their way back home. The federal government has gazetted that the artefacts should be taken to their original location upon return to Nigeria.
The musical concert will feature indigenous musicians, including Influence Akaba, Fabomo, and Young Bolivia. Shalipopi will also perform, adding to the excitement of the event. Imasuen expressed gratitude to the Oba of Benin for his efforts in retrieving the stolen artefacts.
The returned artefacts will be a major attraction during the celebrations, providing an opportunity for the public to view the cultural treasures. The event aims to promote the rich cultural heritage of the Benin kingdom and showcase its significance to the world. The Oba of Benin's 10th coronation anniversary celebrations will be a memorable event, highlighting the kingdom's history and culture.
Key points
- The Oba of Benin's 10th coronation anniversary celebrations will feature the display of returned stolen artefacts.
- Cultural troupes from various geopolitical zones will perform during the celebrations.
- The event aims to promote the rich cultural heritage of the Benin kingdom.
