Olubor Uyi Esq.

DISPUTE OVER THE RETURN OF THE LOOTED BENIN ARTIFACTS; MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING ? About one hundred and fourteen years ago. The beautiful and sacred Benin Empire was desecrated after European Invaders had come in to destroy and loot this beautiful kingdom. During their invasion Its citizens were killed, its Oba was deposed and cultural artifacts which bared a significant spiritual and historical connection to its land were carted away and many of them disposed of to compensate the Invaders for the cost of their inglorious invasion and rape of this beautiful kingdom. For over 100 years, the kingdom and its citizens have not acquiesced their rights for the return of their cultural entitlements. A lot of advocacy both at the local and international level for the restitution of the looted artifacts. Alas, in recent times there have indications that the holders of these artifacts have heeded to the voice of reasoning and have decided to return these artistic works to their spiritual homes. Ho

THE LEGAL CAPACITY OF FOOTBALL FEDERATION'S TO WITHHOLD INTERNATIONAL TRANSFER CERTIFICATES (by Olubor Uyi) Some couple of days ago, the President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), while admonishing home-based players called up to battle the Mexican 'A' team. In his address, he stated that players who have been called up would not be allowed to relocate to mushroom leagues. And that the Football Federation would go the extra length in ensuring that it does not issue International Transfer Certificates to release players to play in these leagues. Now, the question is to what extent can a Football Federation dictate the career path of a footballer? In addition, can a Federation subject the release of an International Transfer Certificate (ITC) to its whims and caprices? In answering the first question, whether a Football Federation can dictate a career path to a footballer? The answer is no. As a football Federation does not stand as an employer to players flying the