Edo Governor Reinstates Oba Of Benin’s Control Over Ancient Artefacts

Edo Governor Reinstates Oba Of Benin’s Control Over Ancient ArtefactsIn a significant move aimed at healing historical wounds and reinforcing the bond between the government and the people, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has reinstated the legal rights of the Benin Monarch over ancient artefacts that were looted from the Oba of Benin’s palace during the 1897 British-led Benin Massacre.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

This development was announced in a statement issued on Saturday by Fred Itua, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, who highlighted that the decision was part of the current administration’s efforts to correct the injustices of the previous government.

The statement also revealed that 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which revoked the concession of the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre for use as a motor park, has now been officially withdrawn. Governor Okpebholo’s administration is committed to restoring the Centre to its original purpose and ensuring it is fit for cultural and historical preservation.

The statement further outlined that the new administration has also abolished the controversial traditional councils in Edo South, which had been created by the previous government. As part of this shift, Governor Okpebholo has reinstated the statutory financial entitlements of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), and ordered that the situation be reverted to what it was prior to the creation of the now-abolished councils.

In addition, the Governor’s administration has expressed strong backing for the development of the Benin Royal Museum, which is intended to house the returned artefacts. The Okpebholo administration is distancing itself from the Museum of West African Art (MOWA), which the previous government had proposed as the location for the repatriated Benin treasures.

A key development in the restoration of the artefacts was the Federal Government’s issuance of a Gazette confirming the ownership and custody of the repatriated Benin artefacts by Oba Ewuare II. This recognition was formalized through Government Notice No. 25 in the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette No. 57, Volume 110.

Governor Okpebholo expressed respect for the rights and privileges of the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, and reaffirmed his administration’s support in ensuring the Oba’s role as the custodian of Benin’s rich cultural heritage. He emphasized that the decision to uphold the Oba’s exclusive ownership of the returned artefacts is a recognition of his position as the father of all Benin people and the sole custodian of their customs and traditions.

The Governor also committed to respecting the autonomy of the Benin Traditional Council, pledging that his administration would not interfere in its internal matters.

The statement concluded, “The Governor, in exercising his constitutional powers and deep respect for traditional institutions, has restored all other statutory rights of the Oba of Benin that were not explicitly mentioned.

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