By Our Correspondent
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has reinstated the rights of the Oba of Benin over ancient artefacts looted during the 1897 British invasion of the Benin Kingdom.
These artefacts, once held in foreign custody, have been the subject of repatriation efforts, and this action affirms the Oba’s authority as their rightful custodian.
This decision overturns controversial policies enacted by the previous administration, including the retraction of a contentious directive that repurposed the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre as a motor park.
Governor Okpebholo’s administration plans to restore the centre to its original cultural function.
Additionally, the Governor has dissolved the newly created traditional councils in Edo South, reinstating the financial entitlements and autonomy of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC).
These steps aim to reaffirm the historical role of the Oba of Benin as the custodian of the kingdom’s customs and traditions.
A notable highlight of the administration’s cultural agenda is the renewed commitment to constructing the Benin Royal Museum, a dedicated space to house repatriated artefacts.
This contrasts with the Museum of West African Art (MOWA), which the former government proposed as an alternative repository.
The Federal Government has further legitimized this move through an official gazette, recognizing the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, as the sole custodian of these invaluable artefacts.
Governor Okpebholo emphasized his administration’s respect for traditional institutions and vowed to steer clear of interfering in the internal affairs of the Benin Traditional Council.
By using constitutional authority to uphold these measures, the Governor aims to preserve the cultural identity of the Benin people while ensuring their heritage is appropriately safeguarded.
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