Oba Of Benin To Withdraw Lawsuit Against Edo Govt As Okpebholo Restores Rights

By Simeon OSAJIE

The Benin monarch, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba Nedo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin and the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) may withdraw their lawsuits against Edo State government after governor of the State, Senator Monday Okpebholo restored the Oba’s full statutory rights and reversed previous administration policies affecting the Benin Traditional Council on Sunday.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the governor, Fred Itua, Okpebholo has disbanded the new traditional councils in Edo South established by the immediate past governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.

The state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Dr. Samson Osagie explained that the governor’s gesture signalled the closure of the conflict between the Oba of Benin and the Edo State government, which resulted in lawsuits throughout the Obaseki administration.

Okpebholo also supported the Federal Government’s identification of the Oba’s palace as the repository for returning Benin antefacts plundered during the 1897 British colonial expedition.

According to him, “The cases in court are cases which the Oba of Benin himself and the Benin Traditional Council instituted against the state government, and they are all civil matters. And you know that in civil suit or in any suit, parties are encouraged to settle amicably.

“So, if the parties are already settling and one side is already meeting the condition of settlement, the next step you are going to hear is that the party who went to court, which is the Oba of Benin, and the Benin Traditional Council will instruct their counsel to withdraw the cases from court, and that will be the end of the matter.

“The two parties are now settling for harmony and peace to reign, so the government is doing its own side of it.

“This statement is a prelude to discontinuing all legal proceedings with respect to the twin issues of the concession of the Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre by government to the Benin Traditional Council for 30 years and the creation of additional councils.”

The governor’s Chief Press Secretary stated that the administration is committed to restoring the Benin monarch’s dignity and power.

“This administration also hereby abolishes the new traditional councils in Edo South, created by the last administration,” the statement noted.

Additionally, Governor Okpebholo reversed the Obaseki administration’s proposal to transform the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre into a car park.

The administration has announced intentions to restore the cultural facility to its original purpose.

“This administration is restoring the Oba Akenzua Centre to a suitable condition for its original purpose,” the statement added.

The governor also reinstated the Benin Traditional Council’s financial entitlements, directing that the status quo prior to the formation of the disbanded councils be maintained.

According to the statement, Okpebholo expressed his support for the Federal Government’s official gazette, which recognises the Oba of Benin as the lawful owner and curator of the repatriated Benin treasures.

He also distanced his administration from the Museum of West African Art, instead supporting the Benin Royal Museum’s plan to house the artefacts.

“The Federal Government has also issued a gazette for the recognition of ownership and custody of the repatriated Benin artefacts to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II,” the statement explained.

“Governor Okpebholo respects the rights and privileges of the traditional ruler of the Benin kingdom… 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.”

Okpebholo reiterated his administration’s support for traditional institutions and promised not to interfere with the Benin Traditional Council’s internal matters.

“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,” he stated, emphasising the government’s efforts to uphold the cultural and historical integrity of the Benin Kingdom.