Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has restored the full statutory rights of the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II. This move abolishes the new traditional councils in Edo South created by the last administration ¹.
According to a statement released by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the state government has also withdrawn the letter revoking the concession of the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre. The centre was initially intended to be used as a motor park by the previous administration.
Governor Okpebholo has further backed the Federal Government’s Gazette, which recognizes the ownership and custody of the repatriated Benin artefacts to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II. This decision was made through a Government Notice No.25 in the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette No.57, Volume 110.
The Okpebholo administration has also pledged to support the decision of the Federal Government to uphold the Oba of Benin as the exclusive owner of the returned Benin artefacts. These artefacts were looted by the British Colonial forces during the Benin massacre of 1897.
The governor’s administration has acknowledged the Oba of Benin as the sole custodian of the customs and traditions of the Benin people. As such, the administration respects customs and traditions in the land and has restored the statutory rights of the Oba of Benin as the true custodian of the returned Benin artefacts.
The state government has also announced plans to restore the Oba Akenzua centre to a suitable condition for its original purpose. This move is seen as a positive step towards preserving the cultural heritage of the Benin people.
Furthermore, the Okpebholo administration has abolished the new traditional councils in Edo South created by the last administration. The governor has also restored the statutory financial entitlements of the Benin Traditional Council and has ordered that the status quo before the creation of the now-abolished councils be maintained.
The Federal Government’s Gazette recognizing the ownership and custody of the repatriated Benin artefacts to the Oba of Benin is a significant development in this matter. This decision has been welcomed by the Okpebholo administration, which has pledged to support the decision.
The governor’s commitment to respecting the rights and privileges of the traditional ruler of the Benin Kingdom is a positive step towards promoting harmony and cooperation between the state government and the traditional institutions.
The restoration of the statutory rights of the Oba of Benin is also seen as a move towards promoting the cultural heritage of the Benin people. The governor’s administration has demonstrated its commitment to preserving the customs and traditions of the Benin people.
In conclusion, the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has taken significant steps towards promoting harmony and cooperation between the state government and the traditional institutions. The restoration of the statutory rights of the Oba of Benin is a positive development that is expected to promote the cultural heritage of the Benin people.
The governor’s administration has demonstrated its commitment to respecting the rights and privileges of the traditional ruler of the Benin Kingdom. This move is expected to promote harmony and cooperation between the state government and the traditional institutions.
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