Governor Monday Okpebholo has described the return of the Benin Bronzes as a historic landmark for the Benin Kingdom.
The Governor said this on Wednesday when he received the Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Olugbile Holloway, alongside the Consul General of Switzerland in Lagos, Conny Camenzind in Government House in Benin City.
The governor commended the Swiss government and other stakeholders involved in the restitution process, describing the return of the artefacts as a significant moment in the history of the Benin Kingdom.
Okpebholo while reflecting on the 1897 Benin invasion said the removal of the artefacts, was driven by the global recognition of the greatness of the Benin Empire.
Earlier, the Director-General, National Commission for Museums and Monuments.(NCMM), Olugbile Holloway, said the visit was to strengthen collaboration with the Edo State Government and mark another step in the return of Benin artefacts.
Speaking on behalf of the Swiss Government, Consul General Conny Camenzind described the restitution as a major milestone in the relationship between Switzerland and Nigeria.
A total of 23 objects were repatriated by the Swiss museums including 18 Benin Bronzes and 5 regional artefacts.