Benin Artefacts: FG To Take Possession Of 1300 Looted Benin Bronze.
The federal government of Nigeria through the minister of information and culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has broken the silent as to who will be in possession of the looted benin artefacts expected to be repatriated to the country from Germany.
The minister of information and culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed addressing the issue on a news conference on Saturday at Lagos, disclosed to the news Agency of Nigeria on the effort of federal government to repatriate the looted artefact around the world.
According to the minister, The Nigerian Government remains the only legal entity recognized by international law to take charge of antiquities originating from the country.
In his words, he said;
“The Federal Government is aware of the widely-reported controversy when on who will take possession of the Benin Bronzes when they are returned from Germany.
“Let me state clearly here that, in line with international best practice and the operative Conventions and laws, the return of the artefacts is being negotiated bilaterally between the national governments of Nigeria and Germany.
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“Nigeria is the entity recognised by international law as the authority in control of antiquities originating from Nigeria.
“The relevant international Conventions treat heritage properties as properties belonging to the nation and not to individuals or subnational groups,’’ he said.
