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Benin Monarch Warns Against Attempt To Divert ‘Benin Artifacts

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…Says Edo People Will Resist Such Move

The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare, II, Ogidigan, has warned against attempts by anyone or a group of persons to divert Benin artifacts, saying that Edo people would resist the move before it reaches a tipping point.

Recall that the monarch had asked the Nigerian government to temporarily take custody of the 1,130 stolen Benin artifacts in Germany after they are repatriated, pending the completion of the Benin Royal Museum where the artifacts which have created a wave of public support would be kept.

Oba Ewuare ll made the assertions when members of the Benin Community in Abuja and the Principal officers of College of Education, Technical, Ekiadolor, Edo State, paid him a courtesy visit in his palace in Benin City.

The monarch also played host to leaders of Edo United Union in Rome, Italy led by its President, Mr. Edwin Omoregie.

Oba Ewuare noted that there is no controversy over the ownership or who should take possession of the repatriated Benin bronzes, which were produced on the mandate of his forebears in Benin kingdom centuries ago.

The traditional ruler who spoke in Benin Language, charged his loyal subjects and concerned authorities not to succumb to pressure by unnamed individuals who are treading on a lonely path to either divert or sell the priceless treasures for personal gains.

“We won’t lose our heritage. You remember our Benin artefacts that were looted during the invasion of Benin by foreigners. Some of them have agreed to return them. But, it should be returned to the Oba of Benin palace.

“Edo people all over the world should not allow anyone to bamboozle them to give up their heritage to strangers. Benin artefacts were made by the famous Igun Bronze Casters’ Guild in Benin on orders of our forebears. The palace gave them the enablement and approval to make them.

READ ALSO: Looted Benin Artifacts Worth £2.5m Returned To Oba Of Benin

“Our artefacts will not go to another destination. It should come to the right destination, which is Oba of Benin palace. Edo people should not allow them to be either diverted or sold. Edo people will not allow that to happen. Our ancestors do not approve it.

“Advise your supporters and others to counsel those who are making such moves to retrace their steps. You should insist that the right thing is done at the right time for the benefits of Edo people”, Oba Ewuare ll said while commending notable Nigerians that have taken up the agitation for the return of the art works.

Addressing the Benin throne, President of Benin Community in Abuja, Mr. Lucky Odigie, commended the peaceful reign of the Oba of Benin and his proclamations that led to the abolition of Community Development Associations (CDAs) as was as visible respite in curbing social vices in the society, particularly prostitution and human trafficking.

On his part, Provost, College of Education, Technical, Ekiadolor, Dr. Emmanuel Asagha gave a brief history of the colleges and the process of the smooth take-off of the institution.

He, therefore, sued for Oba Ewuare ll support towards the attainment of set goals in the tertiary institution.

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JUST IN: Popular Gospel Singer Is Dead

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Popular Gospel singer Morenikeji Adeleke, also known as Egbin Orun, is dead.

Her colleague Esther Igbekele, confirmed the death in an Instagram post on Sunday.

The gospel singer expressed shock and sadness, sayin Egbin Orun departed suddenly without bidding farewell.

According to her, the two had recently spoken, unaware of the impending tragedy.

READ ALSO: How God Saved Me From Firing Squad – Gospel Artiste, Buchi

Igbekele praised Egbin Orun’s beauty, kindness, and strong support for her ministry.

She wrote, “I got home from my program to hear about this great loss.. Prophetess Morenikeji Egbin Orun you left without saying goodbye..

“We spoke together last week not knowing you are about to embark on a journey to the great beyond.. You are such a beautiful and kind hearted woman and a very good supporter of my ministry.

READ ALSO: Outrage As Kingsmen Flogged Anambra Man To Death [VIDEO]

“I am deeply saddened with your demise but God knows best. You will be greatly missed and your good deeds will continue to linger in our hearts.

“Ah Egbin Orun. Good night! Keep resting in the bosom of Christ.. Ah Gone too soon..Yeeee.”

The cause of her death remains undisclosed and no official statement has been issued.

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How God Saved Me From Firing Squad – Gospel Artiste, Buchi

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A popular gospel singer, Buchi Atuonwu, simply known as Buchi, has revealed how God saved him from firing squad.

During an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief program on Friday, Buchi said he and some other people were already lined up for execution by the firing squad.

He said despite not being religious, his desperation to be alive made him call on God and make a promise to dedicate his life to serving Him in exchange for his life if spared.

He narrated, “At a point in my life, we were laying up for execution. Indeed, the people who were to execute us were already kneeling, ready to fire. It is true that I called out to a God that I didn’t know, saying if you save me, I will serve you. Since we don’t have all the time, let me just say that He saved me from that firing squad.

READ ALSO: How I Formed Kidnap Gang During My 11yrs In Prison- Suspected Kidnapper

“Then I devoted my life to serving him. To see that my music is not empty and that it becomes an extension of a classroom for me having been a teacher in the university. The stage became an extension of the classroom. Who says musicians can not sing about GMOs, government policies, trends, events, and happenings that inform the quality of life of the people?”

Speaking on what influenced his choice of music, Buchi said his background and an intention to make a change after being spared from death were the factors responsible for his style of music.

I come from a peculiar background. Night club DJ and at the same time a university lecturer and transiting to the choir of a church having been involved in the campus confraternity, drug abuse, and youth violence amongst others.

“My kind of music has to be somewhat different. Influenced by that background and also with an intention to make a change, it led me to the kind of stories that you are referring to. Stories that manured the songs that I put out, such as gun running and violence,” he stated.

READ ALSO: Man Jumps Into Lagoon, Dies After Being Chased By Mob For Alleged Stealing

No relationship between reggae music and weed

Speaking on a controversial comment that every musician must use performance-enhanced drugs to perform at their best, Buchi said it is a narrative sold by people, adding that there is no relationship between reggae music and weed.

“It is a narrative sold by people interested in the matter. It’s like saying to watch a good movie, I need popcorn. yes, they go together, people buy it and do it. They practice it. It is also like saying to watch a good football match. I need a particular kind of drink with me.

“It is okay to sell your products and ideas but I don’t have to accept it absolutely because I know that I can watch a good movie without popcorn and I can also watch a good football game without the drinks in question. In the same way, there is no relationship between reggae music and weed.

READ ALSO: Lawyer Drags NERC, AGF, Minister Of Power To Court Over Electricity Tariff Hike

“Yes, I have been there, and now I am here. I know for sure that the substances that I took at that time did not enhance my performance. It is true that you have to be in a certain state of mind to give your best, but drugs don’t take you there. There are so many other things like deep thinking and concern for what you are that can take you there.”

In January, the music star refuted claims that his genre of music— reggae was connected to his past romance with marijuana.

His response followed criticisms from those who questioned the inspiration behind a book he published.
PUNCH

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UNIBEN Ex-deputy VC Is Dead

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A Former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of the University of Benin, Edo State, Prof. Pius Iribhogbe, is dead.

Until his demise, Prof. Iribhogbe was also a consultant trauma surgeon, head of the Department of Surgery and coordinator of the School of Paramedics at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.

The academic scholar passed on in Saudi Arabia.

UNIBEN’s Public Relations Officer, Dr Benedicta Ehanire, who confirmed the surgeon’s death said the school was yet to issue a statement.

 

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