Kehinde Fajobi
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has annulled the creation of new traditional councils in Edo South Senatorial District by his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki.
He also reinstated the statutory financial entitlements of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) and directed that the status quo prior to the councils’ establishment be restored.
The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Benin City.
The statement read, “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.”
Okpebholo also aligned with a Federal Government directive recognising the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, as the rightful custodian of ancient artefacts looted during the 1897 British invasion of Benin.
According to the statement, this decision reflects the governor’s commitment to rectifying perceived wrongs of the previous administration and fostering harmonious relations between the government and the people.
The state government further rescinded the revocation of the concession for the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre, promising to restore it for its intended purpose.
Additionally, the administration reaffirmed its support for the establishment of the Benin Royal Museum to house repatriated artefacts while distancing itself from the Museum of West Africa Art (MOWA) championed by the previous administration.
Itua stated, “The Federal Government had issued a Gazette recognising the ownership and custody of repatriated Benin artefacts by the Oba of Benin through Government Notice No. 25 in the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette No. 57, Volume 110.”
He added that Governor Okpebholo deeply respects the rights and privileges of the Oba of Benin as the custodian of the Benin Kingdom’s 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, and my administration respects customs and traditions in the land,” the statement quoted the governor as saying.
Okpebholo also pledged his administration’s non-interference in the internal affairs of the Benin Traditional Council.
The governor affirmed his commitment to ensuring the Oba of Benin continues to play his role as the custodian of the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage.