Edo governor Okpebholo restores statutory rights to Oba of Benin

“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.”

He stated that Okpebholo also complied with the Federal Government’s directive by restoring the full statutory rights of the Oba of Benin on the ownership of ancient artefacts looted by the British colonial forces during the 1897 Benin massacre.

According to Itua, the decisions were in line with the governor’s move to further right the wrongs of the immediate-past administration and foster cordial relations between the government and the people.

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The state government also withdrew the letter revoking the concession of the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre issued by the last administration.

The statement noted that the Okpebholo administration is restoring the centre to a suitable condition for its original purpose.

“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.

“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.

“It is in recognition of this that the administration of Governor Okpebholo shall support the decision of the Federal Government to uphold the Oba of Benin as the exclusive owner of the returned Benin artifacts that were looted by the British Colonial forces during the Benin masaca of 1897.

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“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 and hereby restores the statutory rights of the Oba of Benin as the true custodian of the returned Benin artefacts.

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