Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has granted full ownership rights of the repatriated Benin artefacts to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, in a move to reaffirm the monarch’s position as the custodian of the kingdom’s cultural heritage.
In a statement released on Sunday by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary, the governor also announced the revocation of the concession of the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre, which had been repurposed as a motor park by the previous administration. Okpebholo directed that the centre be restored for its original cultural purpose.
During his inaugural address on November 12, Governor Okpebholo emphasized his administration’s commitment to upholding the Oba of Benin’s exclusive ownership of artefacts looted during the 1897 British invasion of Benin. The Federal Government had earlier issued a gazette recognizing the Oba of Benin as the rightful owner and custodian of the repatriated artefacts.
The governor further abolished the new traditional councils created in Edo South by the previous administration, ordering a return to the status quo. He also reinstated the statutory financial entitlements of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC).
In alignment with the original vision of the state government, Okpebholo pledged to back the establishment of the Benin Royal Museum, distancing his administration from the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) promoted by his predecessor.
“It is in recognition of the Oba of Benin’s role as the custodian of the rich cultural heritage of the Benin people that the governor’s administration will support the monarch’s rights and privileges,” the statement read.
The governor reiterated his respect for traditional institutions and vowed to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of the Benin Traditional Council, further stating that his administration is committed to restoring all statutory rights of the monarch.
This decision represents a significant step towards correcting past grievances and fostering harmony between the Edo State government and the people of the Benin Kingdom.
