Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has restored the full statutory rights of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, reversing several decisions made by the previous administration under Godwin Obaseki.
In a statement on Sunday, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, announced that Okpebholo abolished the new traditional councils created in Edo South senatorial district by the past government. The governor also reinstated the statutory financial entitlements of the Benin Traditional Council and ordered that the previous structure be maintained.
“This administration hereby abolishes the new traditional councils in Edo South created by the last administration,” the statement said. “Governor Okpebholo has restored the statutory financial entitlements of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) and ordered that the status quo be maintained.”
The governor further reaffirmed the Oba’s ownership of ancient Benin artefacts looted during the 1897 Benin massacre, aligning with a Federal Government directive that officially recognizes the Oba as the rightful custodian.
“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 artefacts,” Itua said.
The statement also announced the withdrawal of a letter revoking the concession of the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre issued by the previous administration. Plans are underway to restore the centre for its original cultural purpose.
Governor Okpebholo pledged to respect the customs and traditions of the Benin people, emphasizing that his administration will not interfere in the internal affairs of the Benin Traditional Council.
“The Oba of Benin, as the father of all Benin people, is the sole custodian of their customs and traditions. My administration respects these traditions and hereby restores all statutory rights of the Oba of Benin as the true custodian of the returned artefacts,” the statement concluded.
Oba Ewuare II remains a respected figure in Edo State, symbolizing the cultural heritage of people of Benin.
