France to partner Benin monarchy to repatriate looted artworks
French government says it would assist Africans in a dialogue to retrace their cultural heritage.
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The French government is to partner the Benin monarchy for the repatriation of Benin artworks which were looted from the kingdom more than a century ago.
Jerome Pasquier, France Ambassador to Nigeria, disclosed this when he led some officials of the French Embassy on a courtesy visit to the Oba of Benin on Monday.
Mr Pasquier said the French government was determined to eliminate all forms of discriminations and as well assist Africans in a dialogue to retrace their cultural heritage.
The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba Ewuare Ogidigan (11), has approved the sack of the presiding priest of Holy Aruosa Cathedral, Ohen-Osa Harrison Okao, for alleged non-compliance with ancient long tradition of the land
The decision was jointly taken by the traditional head of the church, HRM Oba Ewuare the second, joint elders committee and top palace chiefs after Okao was found guilty of violating the long-standing rules of the church.
A statement by Benin Traditional Council (BTC) Secretary, Mr Frank Irabor, said the removal of the former top priest of the church would restore sanity and lasting peace to the foremost Benin national church.
The member of the Ondo State House of Assembly predicted a dirty fight in ruling All Progressives (APC).
Akinribido of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) represents Ondo West Constituency 1.
“Chief Bisi Akande has exposed a deep crack and the possibility of an impending dirty fight that will occur soon”, he tweeted.
On Wednesday, Akande condemned the ongoing APC membership registration and revalidation exercise.
The former Osun Governor described it as wasteful at a time the nation’s economy was on the downturn.
“No population census is repeated within less than a decade and that voters are not re-registered at every election.