The Edo State government has restored Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin full statutory rights, which were withdrawn by previous administration of Godwin Obaseki at the behest of suspended and muted Enigie (Benin Dukes), who allegedly staged rebellion against the Benin monarchy.
Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo disclosed this on Sunday in a Press statement which also restored the statutory financial entitlements of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) and accordingly ordered that the status quo before the creation of the now abolished Councils be maintained.
Okpebholo said the move was “in a bid to further right the wrongs of the immediate-past administration and foster cordial relations between the Government and the people”, according to the statement.
The Governor said his administration is committed and will refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of the Benin Traditional Council.
“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”, Okpebholo said.
The State government also backed the Benin Royal Museum project and aligned with the Nigerian Government Gazette Notice No. 25 in the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette No.57, Volume 110 recognition, vesting the custody, ownership and maintenance of all repatriated Benin Artefacts and Bronzes that were looted from from the Benin Palace of the Oba of Benin during the reign of Oba Ovoranmwen in 1897 Benin Massacre by the British Colonial Forces, in the Oba of Benin.
“This administration is restoring the centre to a suitable condition for its original purpose.
“This administration also hereby abolishes the new traditional councils in Edo South, created by the last administration.”
“Accordingly, 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 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 as the museum to hold the returned Benin artefacts.
He said, “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”.
Meanwhile, a Civic Advocacy group, Aiguobasinmwin Movement has hailed the State government decision, restoring full statutory rights of the Oba of Benin.
In a statement jointly endorsed by President of the group, Mr. Iyamu Osaro Culture-President, Mr. Osayuki-Osa Benson-Secretary General and its Public Relations officer, Mr. Aghatise Osagie, said expressed appreciation to Governor Okpebholo for the prompt reversing the sacrilegious act of Obaseki’s administration.
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