By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City
Benin Solidarity Movement (BSM) worldwide has warned the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, to be cautious of his utterances in n nm it relates to stolen B menin artefacts just recovered from the German government.
In a message by the organisation’s president, Elder Curtis Ugbo, the BSM said that as far as the issue of the recovered Benin artefacts are concerned Alhaji Lai should be well educated that the art works belong to the Benin Kingdom which is under the rulership of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Egwuare 11.
“Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, should watch what he says about the issue of the recovered Benin artefacts. He has no authority other than to graciously hand them over to His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Egwuare 11, who is the custodian of Benin customs, tradition and religion.
” Those Artefacts are of spiritual significance to the great people of Benin KINGDOM”
“Whatever is the Information and Culture Minister is trying to achieve by making empty promises and hobnobbing with his fellow politicians on the best way to handle the issue and who to hand the artworks/Artefacts to for safe keeping.
“Alhaji Lai is not conversant with Benin Culture and Traditions, so his excuse can be accepted but should not be allowed to hold sway. Oba of Benin is the right person to hand over those artefacts to. Moreover, he has a foundation, Oba Ewuare 11 Foundation which is best suited to handle the issue.
“We pray that the minister and whoever is goading him on what to do have a change of heart and do the right thing so that posterity can remember them for good.”