The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has appealed to Rotary Club members for their global assistance in the repatriation of looted artefacts. The monarch specifically urged them to engage their European counterparts to support the return of approximately 3,000 artefacts to the Benin Royal Court. Oba Ewuare II stated, "Many of our artefacts are in the hands of private collectors in America. I know that because I have seen them." He further emphasized the Rotary Club's widespread presence, saying, "Members of the Rotary Club are all over the place. I would like you to join forces to go and engage your European counterpart. Inform them that you are collaborating with the Benin Royal Court towards the return of about 3,000 artefacts that are out there."
Call for Global Collaboration
More than 3,000 looted Benin Artefacts are currently held by private collectors and some museums abroad, according to official statements. The Oba of Benin urged Rotary Club members worldwide to join the Benin Royal Court in advocating for cultural heritage. He emphasized the need for a collaborative effort among Rotary Club chapters globally to facilitate the return of these artefacts. This appeal aims to enlist the extensive network of the Rotary Club in supporting the ongoing efforts to reclaim cultural property.
Meeting with Rotary International
Oba Ewuare II delivered his appeal during a meeting with John Hewko, the Chief Executive Officer and Secretary-General of Rotary International, and his delegation. Hewko conveyed greetings from the organization, stating, "Your Royal Majesty, it is a great pleasure to be here in your Kingdom. I bring you greetings from Rotary International ― and on behalf of the 1.2 million Rotarians around the world." Hewko further commended Oba Ewuare II for his dedication to fostering peace and mediating conflicts within Edo State and surrounding regions. He emphasized the importance of peace to Rotary International's mission, adding, "The concept of peace is extraordinarily important for us, and the good work and the service that we do in your Kingdom. We commend you for continuing to promote peace ― bringing communities and the people together, especially in a world that is so divided, with many challenges to confront."
Artefacts Abroad and Advocacy
The meeting between Oba Ewuare II and John Hewko, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary-General of Rotary International, transpired at the Oba's palace in Benin. This gathering provided the platform for the monarch's direct appeal for international support. The Oba of Benin's request noted the ongoing efforts to secure the return of artefacts, many of which are currently held in private collections in America and other locations abroad. He urged Rotary Club members to leverage their global network to engage European counterparts. This engagement aims to facilitate discussions and actions toward the repatriation of approximately 3,000 artefacts to the Benin Royal Court. The monarch's initiative shows the importance of international collaboration in cultural heritage restitution.
Rotary's Peace Initiatives
John Hewko, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary-General of Rotary International, conveyed greetings from the organization, stating, "Your Royal Majesty, it is a great pleasure to be here in your Kingdom. I bring you greetings from Rotary International ― and on behalf of the 1.2 million Rotarians around the world." Hewko also emphasized, "The concept of peace is extraordinarily important for us, and the good work and the service that we do in your Kingdom."
