In a landmark decision to strengthen ties with the people of Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo has abolished the newly created traditional councils in Edo South senatorial district, reversing a controversial move by his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki.
Governor Okpebholo has also restored the statutory financial entitlements of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), ensuring the council operates under the pre-existing structure prior to the creation of the now-defunct councils.
This decision is seen as a significant gesture of goodwill aimed at fostering harmony between the government and the revered traditional institutions of the state.
In addition, Governor Okpebholo has taken a decisive step to reinstate the original purpose of the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre.
The concession letter that sought to repurpose the centre into a motor park, issued during the previous administration, has now been officially withdrawn.
A statement issued by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, highlighted the administration's commitment to respecting traditional institutions.
“This administration also hereby abolishes the new traditional councils in Edo South, created by the last administration.
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 read.
In a further show of respect for the Benin Kingdom’s historical and cultural heritage, the governor has reaffirmed the statutory rights of the Oba of Benin concerning ancient artefacts looted during the infamous 1897 Benin massacre by British colonial forces.
Governor Okpebholo has pledged to uphold the Federal Government's directive recognizing the Oba of Benin as the rightful custodian of the returned artefacts.
The artefacts, which hold immense cultural and historical significance, were officially recognized in a Government Notice issued in Gazette No.25 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette No.57, Volume 110.
The governor’s statement emphasized the administration’s unwavering support for the Benin Royal Museum project, which was originally planned to house the repatriated artefacts.
Governor Okpebholo distanced his administration from the Museum of West Africa Art (MOWA), a project championed by the previous government.
Instead, his administration has aligned itself with the original vision of creating a dedicated space to honor the artefacts and preserve the legacy of the Benin Kingdom.
“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 statement said.
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his respect for the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, acknowledging his pivotal role as the custodian of Benin customs, traditions, and cultural heritage.
The governor stressed his administration’s commitment to supporting the revered monarch and ensuring his statutory rights are upheld without interference in the internal affairs of the Benin Traditional Council.
“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 that were looted by the British Colonial forces during the Benin massacre of 1897,” the statement continued.
The statement also reiterated the governor’s dedication to respecting the customs and traditions of the Benin people, restoring the monarch’s rightful role as the custodian of the returned artefacts.
“The Oba of Benin, as the father of all Benin people, is the sole custodian of the customs and traditions of the Benin people.
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 was quoted as saying.
The administration’s decision to abolish the new traditional councils, restore the financial entitlements of the BTC, and support the Benin Royal Museum project underscores its commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of the state.
These actions also signal a new chapter of mutual respect and collaboration between the state government and the Benin Traditional Council.
Governor Okpebholo further emphasized that his administration will refrain from interfering in the internal workings of the Benin Traditional Council, allowing the council to operate autonomously in line with its traditions and customs.
“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,” the statement added.
This historic move by Governor Okpebholo is expected to bolster the state’s cultural identity, promote unity among the people, and reaffirm the government’s recognition of the Oba of Benin as a vital pillar of Edo State’s heritage.
As the administration works towards building the Benin Royal Museum and preserving the artefacts’ legacy, it signals a renewed commitment to ensuring that the rich history and traditions of the Benin Kingdom are celebrated and protected for generations to come.
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