By USMAN ALIYU & IMELDA OSAYANDE

The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, says Sweden is expected to hand over about 40 Benin artefacts to the city on Thursday as part of ongoing efforts to recover looted cultural heritage.

Oba Ewuare disclosed this on Wednesday when the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, paid him a courtesy visit ’t his palace in Benin.

The paramount traditional ruler said the handover would involve both the legal and physical return of the artefacts in Lagos.

He described the return as a significant development in the longstanding campaign of the palace for the recovery of objects taken during the 1897 British invasion.

“Tomorrow, more artefacts are coming from that Sweden that I said, as a result of our effort many years back,” he said.

Oba Ewuare explained that the return followed years of diplomatic engagement, including efforts he pursued during his service as Nigeria’s ambassador to Scandinavian countries.

The royal father recalled that he had proposed presenting Benin artworks to the Swedish, Norwegian and Danish royal families as part of efforts to draw attention to the kingdom’s cultural heritage and encourage the return of its artefacts.

He said the process of recovering the objects had gained momentum, with more artefacts now being returned.

The Oba said he would continue to pursue the recovery of its cultural property, building on efforts by his predecessors.

He expressed appreciation to the Nigerian government, traditional institutions and other supporters for contributing to the campaign.

Earlier, Marwa praised the artistic achievements and historical significance of Benin’s ancient artefacts.

“There are seven wonders of the world. Look at the eighth wonder here,” he said, describing the craftsmanship displayed in the kingdom’s heritage.

Marwa said he was honoured to visit the historic palace and acknowledged the importance of preserving its cultural legacy.

The NDLEA chairman was in Edo for an assessment visit to the agency’s state command and to address the Nigerian Army’s Second Regimental Sergeant Majors Convention. (NAN)