a to the power of b without (a**b), Python

Struggling with an exercise that asks me to write a**b without this operator. Tried to write something myself but am not getting correct results. Instead of one value am getting two, both incorrect. Seems like the counter doesnt really increase. May I ask for help? Thanks!

def powerof(base,exp):
  result=1
  counter=0
  # until counter reaches exponent, go on
  if counter<=exp:
    # result multiplies itself by base, starting at 1
    result=result*base
    # increase counter
    counter=counter+1
    return result
    return counter  # here it says "unreachable code". Can I not return more variables at the same time?
  else:     # counter already reached exponent, stop
    return

# I want to print 2**8. Suprisingly getting two (incorrect) values as a result
print(powerof(2,8))