By Newsmata
The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has conveyed the immense gratitude of the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State for restoring his full statutory rights and restoring his status as the sole traditional ruler in Edo South senatorial district, saying that he was “thoroughly overwhelmed by this unprecedented wonderful gesture”.
Recall that the immediate past administration of Godwin Obaseki, had attempted to balkanise the Benin Kingdom by creating parallel BTCs across the seven local government areas making up Edo South Senatorial District, and appropriating a huge chunk of what ought to be the statutory financial rights of the Oba to his new creations.
Obaseki, by his actions and inactions, was believed to have sponsored the rebellion by some now suspended Enigie (Dukes) against Oba Ewuare II who are in court challenging their suspension.
However, within 14 days in office, Governor Okpebholo revisited the matter and reversed the actions by the former governor, prompting the show of gratitude by the BTC, and the Oba. It is expected that with this new development, the BTC would withdraw from the court its case against the state government over the creation of the parallel BTCs.
The letter of appreciation to the Governor, dated November 27th, 2024, was signed by 10 prominent Benin Chiefs, namely; Norense Ozigbo-Esere (Osuma of Benin); Edionwe Oliha (Oliha of Benin); Stanley Obamwonyi (Esere of Benin); Ada Igbinovia, (Eribo of Benin); and Okunoghae Edomwandagbon (Ine of Benin).
Others are George Igie Ekhator Obasogie (Obasogie of Benin); Imafidon Ero (Ero of Benin); Osaro Idah (Obazelu of Benin); Osamwonyi Osagiede (Ovienroba of Benin); and Nosakhare Omoregie Egharevba, (Uso of Benin).
The BTC said “His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin, deeply thank Your Excellency for the respect that has been shown through your action to the traditional institutions and the Omo N’Oba, and the restoration of all the Statutory Rights of His Royal Majesty. His Royal Majesty is thoroughly overwhelmed by this unprecedented, wonderful gesture”.
The BTC also expressed immense gratitude to Governor Okpebholo for supporting the Federal Government’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.
Part of the letter read: “On behalf of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin, the Benin Royal family and the entire people of Benin Kingdom, we deeply thank Your Excellency for deeming it fit and necessary to restore the full Statutory Rights of the OBA OF BENIN.
“We respectfully wish to join His Royal Majesty to appreciate Your Excellency 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.
“We further express our immense gratitude 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, and abolishing the so-called new traditional councils in Edo South Senatorial District created by the last administration, as well as withdrawal of the letter revoking the concession of Oba Akenzua 11 Cultural Centre, etc.
“This action of Your Excellency which is coming barely two weeks into your administration is very well applauded. It is devastating to our detractors. And joyous to our friends. And marvelous in the eyes of the Almighty God”.
The Omo N’Oba prayed God Almighty to continue to strengthen and guide the governor as he continued “to bring about meaningful and robust transformation of Edo State”.
Hailing the governor, the BTC concluded, “The Lord God Almighty brought Akpakomiza (Governor Okpebholo’s moniker) to conjoin with Ogidigan to sanitize Edo State! Akpakomiza is really Akpakomiza”.