The Benin Kingdom, Oba Ewuare II, the revered Oba of Benin, alongside the Benin Traditional Council, is poised to withdraw the legal actions they initiated against the Edo State government. This shift comes after Governor Monday Okpebholo made a landmark decision on Sunday to restore the full statutory rights of the Oba and dismantle the policies imposed by the previous administration under Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The announcement was made through an official statement from the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua. Within the statement, it was revealed that Governor Okpebholo has abolished the newly established traditional councils in Edo South that were created by Obaseki’s administration, thereby reaffirming the authority of the Benin Traditional Council and the Oba’s position within the community.
Governor Okpebholo’s measures reflect a commitment to rectify the governance issues that led to tensions between the Benin monarchy and the state government during Obaseki’s tenure. The governor’s actions also include backing the federal government’s recognition of the Oba’s palace as the rightful custodian of valuable Benin artefacts that were looted during the British colonial expedition in 1897.
Dr. Samson Osagie, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, clarified that the governor’s decision is pivotal in resolving the disputes that resulted in lawsuits initiated by the Oba of Benin and the Benin Traditional Council against the state government. Osagie remarked, “These cases are civil matters initiated by the Oba of Benin and the Traditional Council against the state government, so there is a strong encouragement for parties to settle amicably.”
He further noted that as the two parties explore reconciliation, it is expected that the Oba and the Traditional Council will soon direct their legal representatives to withdraw their lawsuits from the court, marking the end of a contentious chapter in their relations.
Osagie elaborated that the government’s actions symbolize a proactive approach to fostering harmony and peace, paving the way for a collaborative future between the Benin monarchy and state governance. He stated that the governor’s declaration serves as a precursor to the cessation of all legal proceedings related to the controversial concession of the Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre to the Benin Traditional Council, as well as the establishment of the additional councils that were previously contested.
The statement from Okpebholo’s office emphasized the administration’s dedication to upholding the dignity and authority of the Oba of Benin. “This administration hereby abolishes the new traditional councils in Edo South created by the last administration,” it asserted.
Moreover, Governor Okpebholo has rescinded the prior administration’s decision to convert the historic Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre into a motor park, affirming intentions to restore the site to its intended cultural function.
In the spirit of revitalizing the Benin Traditional Council’s financial entitlements, the governor has mandated a return to the status quo before the creation of the newly established councils, ensuring that the Council’s resources are adequately preserved.
Additionally, the governor has reiterated his support for the federal gazette recognizing Oba Ewuare II as the legitimate owner and custodian of the repatriated Benin artefacts. Distancing his government from the Museum of West African Art, Okpebholo has thrown his support behind the establishment of the Benin Royal Museum, which aims to house these invaluable cultural treasures.
“The Federal Government has released a gazette recognizing the ownership and custody of the repatriated Benin artefacts by Oba Ewuare II,” the statement concluded. “Governor Okpebholo respects the rights of the traditional ruler and is committed to ensuring that the Oba plays a vital role in preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Benin people.” This pivotal resolution promises to usher in a new era of cooperation and respect between the Benin monarchy and the state government, emphasizing cultural heritage and traditional governance.
