Lucky Obukohwo ReportingÂ
Edo State governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the forthcoming 2024 governorship election in the state, Dr Joseph Ikpea has lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for indicating that the repatriated looted Benin artifacts would be handed over to the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II.
Truth Live News reports that Hon Ikpea was a former Esan South-East local government chairman and commissioner in the state executive council.
The commendations were contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Benin City.
Recall that the Federal Government had in its March 28th, 2023 National Gazette said the Oba of Benin Kingdom is the rightful custodian of the returned looted Benin Artefacts.
In his words, “the federal government has done the right thing by affirming your inherent custodianship of the ancient heritage.
“The retuned items were looted mostly from the palace of your ancestors and the federal government affirmation is an official seal over the right thing to do to avoid any further argument on the matter.
“I specially congratulate the great Oba Ewuare II on his affirmation by the Federal Government as the rightful custodian of treasured returned Benin art work looted by the British during the Benin Massacre of 1897.
“On behalf of myself, my family, my followers and the good people of Ewatto Kingdom, we wholeheartedly congratulate the Omo N’ Oba and pray for God’s guidance and protection over his household.
“We pray for Edoland to experience unprecedented growth and development under your reign”,Ikpea said.