Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has taken significant steps to repair relations between the government and the people by restoring the statutory rights of the Benin Monarch over the ownership of ancient artefacts looted from the Oba of Benin’s palace during the 1897 Benin Massacre by British colonial forces.
The governor also announced the reversal of the previous administration’s decision to revoke the concession of the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre, which had been repurposed as a motor park. The centre will now be rehabilitated to serve its original purpose.
Additionally, Governor Okpebholo declared the abolition of new traditional councils in Edo South created by the previous administration. He has reinstated the statutory financial entitlements of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) and restored the traditional system to its status quo before the creation of the now-defunct councils.
The governor reaffirmed support for the construction of the Benin Royal Museum to house the repatriated artefacts, distancing his administration from the Museum of West African Art (MOWA), which the previous government had promoted as the repository for the artefacts.
In line with this, the Federal Government has issued a Gazette officially recognizing the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, as the rightful owner and custodian of the repatriated artefacts. This recognition was documented in Government Notice No. 25 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette No. 57, Volume 110.
Governor Okpebholo emphasized his administration’s commitment to respecting the traditional institutions of Edo State and the Benin Monarch’s role as the custodian of the Benin Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage. He pledged to fully support the Federal Government’s decision to affirm the Oba of Benin as the sole owner of the returned artefacts.
“The Oba of Benin, as the father of all Benin people, is the sole custodian of the customs and traditions of the Benin people. My administration respects these traditions and hereby restores the statutory rights of the Oba of Benin as the true custodian of the returned artefacts,” Governor Okpebholo stated.
He assured that his government would avoid interfering in the internal affairs of the Benin Traditional Council, adding that all other statutory rights of the Monarch would also be restored.
“The restoration of these rights and privileges demonstrates this administration’s respect for the revered Oba of Benin and our commitment to preserving the customs and traditions of the Benin people,” the governor concluded.
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