In a significant move to address longstanding issues and strengthen ties between the government and the people, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has restored the statutory rights of the Benin Monarch over the ownership of ancient artefacts looted from the palace of the Oba of Benin during the 1897 Benin Massacre by British colonial forces.
This development was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, who described the move as part of the administration’s efforts to right the wrongs of the previous government.
The statement also announced the withdrawal of a controversial letter issued by the past administration, which revoked the concession of the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre for use as a motor park.
The statement reads, “This administration is restoring the centre to a suitable condition for its original purpose.
“This administration also hereby abolishes the new traditional councils in Edo South, created by the last administration.
“Accordingly, Governor Okpebholo has restored the statutory financial entitlements of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) and has ordered that the status quo before the creation of the now abolished councils be maintained.
“The Okpebholo administration is backing the initial plan of the State Government to build the Benin Royal Museum that will house the returned artefacts and is distancing itself from the Museum of West Africa Art (MOWA) which the previous administration fronted as the museum to hold the returned Benin artefacts.
“The Federal Government has also issued a Gazette for the recognition of ownership and custody of the repatriated Benin artefacts to Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.
“This was done through a Government Notice No.25 in the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette No.57, Volume 110.
“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.
“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 masaca of 1897.
“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.”
Governor Okpebholo promised that his administration is committed and will refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of the Benin Traditional Council
It added, “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.”
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