The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, is poised to withdraw legal actions against the Edo State government following a landmark decision by Governor Monday Okpebholo to restore the statutory rights of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) and reverse contentious policies implemented by the previous administration.
A statement issued on Sunday by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, detailed measures taken to reconcile the state government with the Benin monarchy. Among these was the abolition of the new traditional councils in Edo South created by former Governor Godwin Obaseki and the restoration of the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre to its original purpose as a cultural hub.
Resolution of Legal Disputes
Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Samson Osagie, described the developments as signaling a peaceful resolution to the longstanding conflict between the Benin monarchy and the state government.
“The cases in court were instituted by the Oba of Benin and the Benin Traditional Council against the state government during the previous administration,” Osagie explained. “With the government now fulfilling its part of the reconciliation process, the next step is for the Oba and the BTC to instruct their legal counsel to withdraw the suits.”
The disputes stemmed from policies under the Obaseki administration, which included the creation of new councils perceived to undermine the authority of the Oba and the conversion of the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre into a motor park. These actions prompted lawsuits and strained relations between the palace and the state.
Restoring Dignity and Cultural Heritage
Governor Okpebholo’s administration has reversed these policies, emphasizing respect for the Benin monarchy and traditional institutions. In a statement, the governor affirmed the abolition of the contentious councils and announced plans to return the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre to its intended cultural purpose.
“This administration hereby abolishes the new traditional councils in Edo South created by the last administration,” the statement read. “The Oba Akenzua Centre will be restored to a suitable condition for its original purpose.”
Financial entitlements to the Benin Traditional Council have also been reinstated, with the governor directing that all previous arrangements be restored.
Recognition of Custodianship Over Artefacts
Another pivotal issue addressed is the recognition of the Oba’s authority over repatriated Benin artefacts looted during the 1897 British colonial expedition. Governor Okpebholo pledged support for the Federal Government’s gazette acknowledging the Oba’s rightful ownership of the artefacts. The governor also distanced his administration from the controversial Museum of West Africa Art project, endorsing the Benin Royal Museum as the proper repository for the artefacts.
“Governor Okpebholo respects the rights and privileges of the Oba of Benin and supports the monarch as the rightful custodian of the artefacts and cultural heritage of the Benin people,” the statement emphasized.
Commitment to Traditional Institutions
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to preserving Edo State’s cultural heritage and maintaining the integrity of the Benin Kingdom’s traditions. “The Oba of Benin is the sole custodian of the customs and traditions of the Benin people, and my administration respects these traditions,” he stated.
This reconciliation signals a new chapter of harmony between the state government and the Benin monarchy, with the Oba’s restored rights paving the way for strengthened cultural and historical preservation in Edo State.
