Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has officially abolished the newly created traditional councils in Edo South senatorial district, which were established by his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki.
In a move to restore traditional integrity and promote unity, Okpebholo also reinstated the full statutory financial entitlements of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), ordering a return to the status quo that existed before the controversial councils were created.
The governor’s decision was outlined in a statement released on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, in Benin City. The statement noted that the action was part of the Okpebholo administration’s broader effort to correct what it described as the mistakes of the previous government, and to rebuild trust and cooperation between the state government and the Benin Kingdom.
In addition to abolishing the councils, Okpebholo also took significant steps to reinforce the statutory rights of the Oba of Benin, including adhering to the Federal Government’s directive to restore the Oba’s ownership of the ancient Benin artefacts looted by British colonial forces during the 1897 Benin Massacre. The Federal Government had issued an official Gazette (No. 25, Volume 110) affirming the Oba’s exclusive rights to the repatriated artefacts.
“The restoration of the Oba of Benin’s rights is an affirmation of his position as the rightful custodian of the Benin people’s heritage,” Governor Okpebholo said. “This administration stands firm in its respect for the customs and traditions of the Benin Kingdom, and we are committed to supporting the Oba’s role in preserving the rich cultural legacy of the Benin people.”
The governor also announced the withdrawal of the letter that revoked the concession for the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre, a decision made by the former administration. The state government intends to restore the Centre to its intended purpose, in line with the original vision for the cultural space.
Furthermore, Okpebholo’s administration is backing the Benin Royal Museum project, which is intended to house the returned artefacts, distancing itself from the Museum of West African Art (MOWA) that had been championed by the previous government. This move aligns with the Federal Government’s recognition of the Oba of Benin as the sole custodian of the artefacts.
The statement emphasized that the Governor’s commitment to the Oba of Benin is unwavering, underscoring the traditional ruler’s role as the cultural and spiritual father of the Benin people. Okpebholo pledged to continue working to ensure that the Oba’s statutory rights are respected and that the state government refrains from interfering in the internal affairs of the Benin Traditional Council.
The full restoration of the Oba’s rights and the repeal of the traditional councils is seen as a step towards healing any rifts caused by the previous administration and re-establishing a harmonious relationship between the government and the Benin monarchy.
