Okpebholo reinstates the Oba of Benin’s complete powers, enabling the traditional monarch to fully perform his ceremonial and administrative roles within the community.
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has revoked the establishment of new traditional councils in the Edo South senatorial district, a move originally instituted by his predecessor Godwin Obaseki.
The governor additionally reinstated the Benin Traditional Council’s (BTC) legal financial benefits and directed that the conditions prior to the establishment of the now-defunct councils be preserved.
In a statement released on Sunday, Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, made this known in Benin City.
“The statement declared that this administration is abolishing the new traditional councils in Edo South, which were established by the previous administration.”
Governor Okpebholo has reinstated the Benin Traditional Council’s (BTC) rightful financial entitlements and mandated a return to the conditions that existed prior to the establishment of the now-dissolved councils.
He mentioned that Okpebholo also adhered to the Federal Government’s directive by reinstating the complete statutory rights of the Oba of Benin concerning ownership of ancient artifacts looted by British colonial forces during the 1897 Benin massacre.
According to Itua, the decisions aligned with the governor’s efforts to correct the mistakes of the previous administration and promote positive relations between the government and its citizens.
The state government also retracted the letter issued by the previous administration that revoked the concession of the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre.
The statement mentioned that the Okpebholo administration is refurbishing the center to return it to a condition suitable for its intended purpose.
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The Okpebholo administration supports the State Government’s original plan to construct the Benin Royal Museum for housing returned artifacts, and it is disassociating itself from the West Africa Art (MOWA) Museum promoted by the prior administration.
The Federal Government has released an official Gazette recognizing the ownership and custody of repatriated Benin artefacts by Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin. This recognition was formalized through Government Notice No. 25 in Volume 110, No. 57, of the Official Gazette of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Governor Okpebholo honors the rights and privileges of Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II, the traditional ruler of Benin Kingdom. He promises that his administration will support the Monarch in fulfilling his role as guardian of the rich cultural heritage of the Benin people.
In acknowledgment of this, Governor Okpebholo’s administration will back the Federal Government’s decision to recognize the Oba of Benin as the sole owner of the returned Benin artifacts looted by British Colonial forces during the 1897 massacre.
As the revered leader of the Benin people, the Oba of Benin is entrusted with preserving their customs and traditions. My administration fully respects these cultural practices and has decided to reinstate the statutory rights of the Oba as they pertain to being recognized as the rightful guardian of repatriated Benin artefacts.
Governor Okpebholo stated that his administration remains dedicated and will avoid interfering in the internal matters of the Benin Traditional Council.
“The Governor is employing his constitutional authority, along with respect for traditional institutions and the esteemed Oba of Benin, to reinstate all additional statutory rights of the Monarch not specified here,” it stated.
