Edo State: Governor Okpebholo restores traditional structures, rights of Oba of Benin

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has abolished the new traditional councils created in Edo South senatorial district by his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, and reinstated the pre-existing traditional hierarchy.

The governor also restored the financial entitlements of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) and directed the maintenance of the previous structure.

This was announced in a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, in Benin City. “Governor Okpebholo has restored the statutory financial entitlements of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) and has ordered that the status quo before the creation of the now abolished councils be maintained,” the statement affirmed.

Governor Okpebholo further reinstated the statutory rights of the Oba of Benin over the ownership of ancient artefacts looted during the 1897 Benin massacre. This move aligns with federal directives and underscores the governor’s efforts to rectify past injustices and foster harmony between the state government and traditional institutions.

Additionally, the governor reversed the revocation of the concession for the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre, a decision made by the previous administration. The centre will be restored to its original state and purpose, reinforcing its cultural significance.

These decisions, according to Itua, reflect Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to addressing the shortcomings of the past administration and strengthening ties between the government, the Benin monarch, and the people of Edo State.

“The Okpebholo administration is backing the initial plan of the State Government to build the Benin Royal Museum that will house the returned artefacts and is distancing itself from the Museum of West Africa Art (MOWA) which the previous administration fronted.

“The Federal Government had issued a Gazette for the recognition of ownership and custody of the repatriated Benin artefacts to Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II. This was done through a Government Notice No.25 in the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette No.57, Volume 110.

“Governor Okpebholo respects the rights and privileges of the traditional ruler of Benin Kingdom, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare ll and pledges the support of his administration to ensure the Monarch plays his role as the custodian of the rich cultural heritage of the Benin people.

“It is in recognition of this that the administration of Governor Okpebholo shall support the decision of the Federal Government to uphold the Oba of Benin as the exclusive owner of the returned Benin artifacts that were looted by the British Colonial forces during the Benin masaca of 1897.

“The Oba of Benin, as the father of all Benin people, is the sole custodian of the customs and traditions of the Benin people and my administration respects customs and traditions in the land and hereby restores the statutory rights of the Oba of Benin as the true custodian of the returned Benin artefacts

“Governor Okpebholo said his administration is committed and will refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of the Benin Traditional Council

“The Governor is using his constitutional powers and the respect for traditional institutions and the revered Oba of Benin to restore all other Statutory Rights of the Monarch not mentioned hereof,” it added.