Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has annulled the traditional councils established in Edo South Senatorial District by his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki.
This decision, announced in a statement by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, also reinstates the statutory financial entitlements of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) and mandates a return to the pre-existing structure before the councils were created.
The governor’s move aligns with efforts to correct policies of the previous administration and strengthen relations between the government and the people.
In addition, Okpebholo has complied with the Federal Government’s directive recognizing the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, as the custodian of ancient artefacts looted during the 1897 Benin massacre.
The governor endorsed the construction of the Benin Royal Museum to house these artefacts, distancing his administration from the Museum of West Africa Art (MOWA) initiative supported by Obaseki’s government.
The administration also reversed the revocation of the concession of the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre, pledging to restore the facility to its original purpose.
The statement reads in part:
“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.”
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his respect for the rights and privileges of the Oba of Benin, pledging the government’s support to ensure the monarch continues to play his role as custodian of the cultural heritage of the Benin people.
“The Federal Government had issued a Gazette for the recognition of ownership and custody of the repatriated Benin artefacts to Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II. This was done through a Government Notice No.25 in the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette No.57, Volume 110.
“Governor Okpebholo respects the rights and privileges of the traditional ruler of Benin Kingdom, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare ll and pledges the support of his administration to ensure the Monarch plays his role as the custodian of the rich cultural heritage of the Benin people.”
The statement also reaffirmed that Governor Okpebholo’s administration would not interfere in the affairs of the Benin Traditional Council and that all statutory rights of the monarch are to be fully restored.
