Oba Receives Returned Stolen Art Works

The palace of the Oba of
Benin, Oba Erediauwa, has received two Bronze works looted from the Palace of the Oba during the British invasion of Benin Kingdom in 1897.
Dr. Adrian Mark Walker, great grandson of Capt. Philip Walker, one of the soldiers who participated in the invasion, returned the bronze works to the Oba of Benin whose great grand father, Oba Ovonramwen, was the Oba of Benin during the British invasion.
Making the presentation, Dr. Walker said of his decision to return the Bronze works, “I have no idea it would cause so much excitement. Seeing this, I feel this is the right thing to do.”
He noted that most of the looted artworks are in private hands overseas and in Nigeria.
According to him, “There was a tusk sold by my grandmother to Jos Museum here in Nigeria. Efforts should be made to trace its present whereabouts.”
Receiving the items, the Benin monarch, described Walker’s gesture in returning the two artifact as the best birthday gift he had ever received, as the historic event was just a few days before his birthday.
He called on Britain and other countries still in possession of Benin looted bronze works to emulate Dr. Walker and return them to Benin, their home of origin.
In his remarks, the Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole while commending Dr. Walker for having a heart of gold by returning the bronze works, expressed joy that the historic event was taking place during his time as governor.