Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has taken significant steps to repair the strained relationship between the state government and the Benin Kingdom, reversing several contentious decisions made by the previous administration.
In a landmark move, the governor has reinstated the full statutory rights of the Oba of Benin, particularly regarding the ownership of artefacts looted from the Benin palace during the 1897 British invasion.
The administration’s decisions aim to honor the rich cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom and address longstanding grievances. Speaking on the developments, Governor Okpebholo emphasized his commitment to preserving the traditions and customs of the Benin people.
Restoring Artefact Custodianship
One of the governor’s key actions includes backing the Federal Government’s recognition of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, as the rightful custodian of the repatriated Benin artefacts. This recognition was formalized through a Government Notice in the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette. Governor Okpebholo pledged to support the Oba in this capacity, stating,
> “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.”
Additionally, the administration has distanced itself from the Museum of West Africa Art (MOWA), a controversial initiative by the previous government, and reaffirmed support for the Benin Royal Museum, which will house the returned artefacts.
Reinstating Cultural Landmarks
The governor also announced the withdrawal of a contentious directive from the last administration, which had revoked the concession of the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre for use as a motor park. Governor Okpebholo declared that the centre would be restored to its original purpose, saying:
> “This administration is restoring the centre to a suitable condition for its original purpose.”
Furthermore, the governor abolished the newly created traditional councils in Edo South, another contentious decision by the previous administration. He ordered that the status quo be restored, emphasizing respect for the established traditions of the Benin Kingdom.
Financial and Statutory Restorations
In addition to the cultural and symbolic actions, the Okpebholo administration has reinstated the statutory financial entitlements of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC). These measures aim to ensure the council functions effectively in its role supporting the Oba. The governor affirmed:
> “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.”
Commitment to Non-Interference
Governor Okpebholo also assured that his government would respect the autonomy of the Benin Traditional Council and refrain from interfering in its internal affairs. He stated:
> “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.”
Public Reception and Future Plans
These decisions have been widely welcomed by Benin indigenes and cultural stakeholders, who view them as a step toward healing divisions and preserving the rich heritage of the Benin Kingdom. The Okpebholo administration’s commitment to restoring these rights underscores its dedication to fostering unity and respect between the state government and traditional institutions.
The governor reiterated his administration’s resolve to support the Benin Monarch, emphasizing:
> “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.”
With these actions, Governor Okpebholo has set a precedent for respecting and upholding the traditional and cultural institutions of Edo State, signaling a new era of collaboration between the government and the Benin Kingdom.
