By Nosakhare Agbonigiarhuoyi
The Edo State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, has restored the full statutory rights of the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, and has abolished the new traditional councils in Edo South, which were created by the last administration in the State.
The information was contained in a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Mr. Fred Itua, on Sunday, 24th November 2024.
In the same vein, the State Governor expressed his support for the Federal Government’s Gazette, which ascribed ownership of the returned artifacts to the Benin Monarch, and withdrew the letter issued by the last administration, which revoked the concession of the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre to be used as a motor park.
The statement reads, “This administration is restoring the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre to a suitable condition for its original purpose; and also hereby abolishes the new traditional councils in Edo South, created by the last administration.
“Accordingly, the State Governor, Sen. Okpebholo has restored the statutory financial entitlements of the Benin Traditional Council and has ordered that the status quo before the creation of the now abolished councils be maintained.”
It continues, “The Okpebholo’s administration is backing the initial plan of the State Government to build the Benin Royal Museum that will house the returned artifacts and is distancing itself from the Museum of West Africa Arts (MOWAA), which the previous administration fronted as the museum to hold the returned Benin artifacts before the Federal Government intervention on the matter.
“The Federal Government has also issued a Gazette for the recognition of ownership and custody of the repatriated Benin artifacts to Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II. This was done through Government Notice No. 25 in the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette No. 57, Volume 110.
“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 massacre of 1897.”
