BENIN CITY – A seven-member committee made up of university eggheads has been set up by the State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism to chronicle developments so far recorded during the reign of the Oba of Benin, Oba Erediauwa.
Inaugurating the Committee, the Commissioner in charge of the ministry, Hon. (Barr.) Vincent Akhere said the government of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole decided to sponsor the writing of the Biography of the Benin Monarch because his reign has witnessed peace and progress in the past 30 years.
He noted that Oba Erediauwa has also brought unity among Edo people, adding that his achievements as the custodian of African Culture are even acknowledge beyond the continent and therefore deserve to be recorded now for future historians.
Commissioner Akhere therefore urged members of the committee to take their assignment seriously as the book will be launched during the 2009 Ugie (Igue Festival).
Responding, the Chairman of the Committee, Dr. Ononeme Efemena of the Department of Fine Arts, UNIBEN thanked the Commissioner for finding them worthy for the historic assignment and pledged that they would not fail the state government.
The Hon. Commissioner also set up a sub-committee to find legal solution to the continuous refusal by Britain, Germany, France and America to return art works taken away from Edo State during and after the colonial period.
The sub-committee headed by Barrister, I.O.Olumese of the Department of Jurisprudence and International Law UNIBEN has the Commissioner, Barrister Vincent Akhere and the Attorney-General of the State as members.
The main committee is made up of:
(i) Dr. Ononeme Efemena - Chairman.
(ii) Dr. Areo Adebowale Biodun Curator of National Museum, Benin - Member
(iii) Dr. C.E. Ugolo - Member Department of Theatre Arts & Mass Communication
(iv) Dr. Sweet Akenzua Ebeigbe - Member, UNIBEN
(v) Mr. Oronsaye (representative of Isekhure Member Founda- tion for the Protection of Relics) and vi) Mr. Alfred Olaye Member Director of Culture, Ministry of Arts, Culture & Tourism
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