Switzerland Vows To Keep Benin Bronze Talks Through Oba’s Palace
By TOSAN OYAKHILOME-AKAHOMEN
SWITZERLAND’S Ambassador to Nigeria, Chad, Niger and ECOWAS, Patrick Egloff, has reaffirmed that all consultations on the restitution of repatriated Benin bronzes will continue to go through the Oba of Benin’s Palace. He made the pledge during a courtesy visit to Oba Ewuare II in Benin City, praising the monarch’s long-standing leadership in the global push for the return of the looted artefacts seized during the 1897 British invasion.
Egloff stressed that the Benin Palace remains central to Switzerland’s restitution dialogue, which includes cooperation with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, federal authorities and researchers working to preserve Benin heritage. “You have been and will continue to be part of this process. Consultation through the Palace will continue,” he assured.
The envoy also highlighted Switzerland’s broader collaboration with Nigeria, including youth vocational training, cultural preservation, anti-trafficking efforts and migration projects.
Oba Ewuare II welcomed the continued partnership, recalling his own diplomatic background as Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Italy. He called for Switzerland’s support for the Oba Ewuare Foundation, which focuses on rehabilitating victims of human trafficking and irregular migration.
After the meeting, Egloff described the interaction as heartwarming and reaffirmed Switzerland’s respect for the traditions and cultural leadership of the Benin Kingdom.
