The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II has expressed deep appreciation to the Presidency for the role played in the return of stolen artefacts from his domain, after so many decades.
The Oba said this on Thursday in his welcome address, when Vice President Kashim Shettima visited his palace in Benin, Edo.
The Oba described the vice president as a very good friend, brother, and son of the palace, adding that the people of Edo love him and the President for all they have done for the state.
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He thanked the vice president for leading what he described as a formidable entourage to the palace in spite of the tight schedule, and for finding time to visit.
Oba Ewuare also thanked President Bola Tinubu, whom he described as his in-law and asked the vice president to convey the warm greetings of the palace and the people of Benin to the President.
He said, “Please convey our warm greetings to Mr President and thank him for the wonderful remarks and tribute.
The Oba also commended Gov. Monday Okpebholo for his work in the state, saying that his administration is delivering the true dividends of democracy.
He commended the efforts of Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, who had been championing the return of Benin artefacts to the kingdom.
“I also want to thank the minister for the work she is doing to ensure that our artefacts are returned to the kingdom.
“We know what the palace and the people of Benin expect, and we appreciate her efforts,” he said.
He also acknowledged the Senate President, Mr Godswill Akpabio and other members of the entourage, many of whom he said, were very close to him, and prayed that they all remained close and continued to work closely together.
He assured the vice president and his team of the continued prayers of the palace and expressed hope to see them again in Abuja for further engagements.
He thanked everyone present for coming to see him and prayed for God’s blessing on them.
Earlier, Shettima conveyed the president’s goodwill to the Oba of Benin.
He congratulated Oba Ewuare on his 10th coronation anniversary and his birthday.
Shettima described the Benin Kingdom as one of Africa’s historic civilisations, renowned for its political organisation, diplomatic heritage and artistic achievements.
Among the entourage that accompanied the vice president were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole, amongst others.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the vice president was in Edo for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Benin and to celebrate Gov. Okphebolo’s two-year anniversary in office.
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