Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare 11, has emphatically stated that blueprints are on top gear for the establishment, construction of the Benin Royal Museum to accommodate all the recovered artefacts and expressed appreciation to the tremendous efforts of the Nigerian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Alhaji Sarafa Tunji Ishola towards ensuring the return of the artefacts and also called for more efforts from Ambassador Ishola in retrieving the remaining artefacts still in foreign countries to be returned.
He made this assertion when he paid a courtesy visit to Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, at his Ake Palace in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.
The Oba of Benin told his host that he has been eager to visit Egbaland where he recalled his grandfather had resided in the past, noting that Egbaland and the Benin Kingdom have similarities in history, linguistics, culture, religion, and other activities.
Welcoming the Omo N’Oba N’Edo to his Ake Palace, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo who spoke on the long years of mutual relationships between the Benin and Egba Kingdoms also showed his esteemed visitor the first Bible in Nigeria, brought to Abeokuta by the missionaries in the course of their evangelism.
The Alake of Egbaland in high spirit noted that the visit is another round of good relationship to strengthen the two ancient towns, adding that it was great to have the revered Benin Monarch in Egba Palace after decades.
Earlier, Oba Gbadebo and other notable traditional rulers in the Egbaland, which included Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, Oba Sabiree Bakre, and others, received His Royal Majesty and his enthusiastic Palace chiefs on his encourage amidst Egbaland cultural displays.
Oba Ewuare II took the time of his two days to visit former President Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library at the majestic hilltop overlooking the
breathtaking views of Ogun State.
Highlights of the visits were the exchange of gifts between the Alake of Egbaland, Alhaji Sarafa Tunji Ishola, who is also an
Egba Senior Chief, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and His Royal Majesty.
