By Damiete Braide
The Onitsha Traditional Council has expressed deep sorrow and outrage over the unauthorised painting of the iconic bronze sculpture of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, created by renowned artist Professor Ben Enwonwu.
The statue, which stands at the DMGS roundabout in Onitsha, Anambra State, was originally intended to remain in its natural bronze state. However, an unknown party recently coated it with paint, an act that the council condemns as a desecration of a masterpiece.
In a statement signed by Chief Osita Anionwu, the Ike Akatakwuani and Chief of Staff, the council emphasised that painting the sculpture not only disrespects the artistic intent of the late Professor Enwonwu but also damages the integrity of the metal. The addition of paint undermines the aesthetic value of the work and disregards its cultural significance to the people of Onitsha and Nigeria at large.
According to Chief Osita, “The council is now calling on relevant authorities to take immediate action to restore the statue to its original state. They insist that this task should be undertaken by expert conservators who specialize in the restoration of significant artworks to ensure that the damage is properly reversed without causing further harm.”
“Beyond the demand for restoration, the Onitsha Traditional Council sees this incident as a stark reminder of the necessity of consulting experts when handling cultural and artistic treasures. They urge individuals in positions of authority to exercise humility and seek professional advice before making alterations to historical monuments.”
He notes that the council demands that those responsible for this act take full accountability and work swiftly to correct their error. They stress that such actions should never be repeated, as they reflect a lack of awareness and appreciation for Nigeria’s artistic and historical legacy.
“As the public reacts to the defacement, there is growing discourse on the importance of preserving cultural heritage. This incident serves as a lesson on the need for vigilance in protecting national treasures from misguided alterations that threaten their authenticity and historical value,” he said.