From Tony Osauzo, Benin
The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, CFR, has written to the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, commending him for taking a significant step in restoring his full statutory rights.
Recall that the immediate past administration of Godwin Obaseki had surreptitiously withdrawn the Oba of Benin’s statutory rights, following the creation of parallel Benin Traditional Councils (BTCs) across the seven Local Government Areas in Edo South Senatorial District of the state amid an uprising by suspended Enigie (Benin Dukes), accused of spearheading rebellion against the Benin monarchy.
In a letter of appreciation to the Governor dated 27 November 2024 and endorsed by prominent Benin Chiefs, Norense Ozigbo-Esere (Osuma of Benin), Edionwe Oliha (Oliha of Benin), Stanley Obamwonyi (Esere of Benin), Osaro Idah (Obazelu of Benin), and others, they thanked the Government for restoring the Oba of Benin’s full statutory rights.
The Benin Monarch expressed immense gratitude to the Governor for supporting the Federal Government of Nigeria’s decision, through a Gazette, recognising the Oba of Benin as the exclusive owner of all returned Benin artefacts looted by the British Colonial Forces during the 1897 Benin massacre.
The paramount traditional ruler, on behalf of the Benin Royal family and the entire people of Benin Kingdom, hailed the state government for abolishing the so-called new Traditional Councils in Edo South Senatorial District and the withdrawal of the letter revoking the concession of the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre in Benin, and other issues of concern.
Part of the letter reads, “We deeply thank your Excellency for deeming it fit and necessary to restore the full Statutory Rights of the Oba of Benin, for respecting the rights and privileges of the Omo N’Oba as the only Traditional Ruler of Benin Kingdom in Edo South Senatorial District and custodian of the rich cultural heritage.
“This action of Your Excellency, which is coming barely two weeks into your administration, is very well applauded. It is devastating to our detractors. It’s joyous to our friends, and marvellous in the eyes of the Almighty God.
“The Omo N’Oba prays for God Almighty to continue to strengthen and guide your Excellency as you continue to bring about meaningful and robust transformation of Edo State,” the Oba said.
The first-class traditional ruler prayed that God Almighty would continue to strengthen and guide Governor Okpebholo in creating meaningful and robust transformation in the state and for respecting traditional institutions as well as defending the rich cultural heritage of Benin Kingdom.
“The Lord God Almighty brought Akpakomiza to cohere with Ogidigan to sanitise Edo State! Akpakomiza is really Akpakomiza,” he said.