Benin City – In a significant move to strengthen traditional authority in Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo has restored the full powers of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, by abolishing the contentious traditional councils established in Edo South senatorial district by the previous administration.
This development was announced in a statement on Sunday by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.
According to the statement, Governor Okpebholo has reversed the actions of his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, ensuring the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) regains its statutory financial entitlements.
“This administration also hereby abolishes the new traditional councils in Edo South, created by the last administration,” the statement read.
“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 added.
Oba's Custodianship of Artefacts Affirmed
The governor also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s recognition of the Oba of Benin as the rightful custodian of ancient artefacts looted during the 1897 British invasion.
The artefacts, repatriated in recent years, had been a source of contention under the previous administration.
Governor Okpebholo’s decision aligns with a Federal Government Gazette (Notice No. 25, Volume 110) recognizing the Oba’s ownership of these cultural treasures.
To support this, the Okpebholo administration has distanced itself from the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), which was championed by the past administration.
Instead, the government will back plans to build the Benin Royal Museum, where the artefacts will be housed under the custodianship of the Benin Traditional Council.
Cultural Institutions Restored
In another gesture of reconciliation, Governor Okpebholo has withdrawn the letter issued by the previous administration that revoked the concession of the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre.
The government is now working to restore the centre to its original purpose as a hub for cultural expression and heritage.
Commitment to Tradition and Harmony
Governor Okpebholo emphasized his administration’s respect for the traditional institutions and customs of the Benin Kingdom.
He pledged not to interfere in the internal affairs of the Benin Traditional Council, reaffirming the Oba’s role as the custodian of Benin’s rich cultural heritage.
“The Oba of Benin, as the father of all Benin people, is the sole custodian of the customs and traditions of the Benin people,” the statement noted.
“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,” the governor maintained.
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