In a historic shift, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has restored the statutory rights of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, and reversed the controversial policies of the previous administration that had impacted the Benin Traditional Council. This gesture is likely to lead to the withdrawal of multiple lawsuits filed by the Oba and the council against the Edo State government, signalling a new era of harmony between the palace and the state.
Announcing the decision on Sunday, Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, confirmed that the governor had rescinded the creation of new traditional councils in Edo South—a move implemented by former governor Godwin Obaseki that had been met with resistance from the Benin monarchy. Okpebholo also expressed his support for the Federal Government’s recognition of the Oba’s palace as the rightful custodian of the Benin artefacts, returned following their seizure in the 1897 British colonial expedition.
Dr Samson Osagie, the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, underscored the significance of Okpebholo’s decision, describing it as a major step toward reconciling the rift between the Oba and the Edo State government. “This move from the governor’s office marks a genuine attempt at resolution,” Osagie stated. “If both parties fulfil the conditions of settlement, we expect the Oba and the Benin Traditional Council to withdraw the court cases, concluding this chapter with a peaceful agreement.”
The legal disputes, initiated under Obaseki’s administration, revolved around two primary issues: the establishment of additional traditional councils in Edo South and the 30-year concession of the Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre to the Benin Traditional Council. With Okpebholo’s latest moves, both points of contention appear to be close to resolution. Osagie described the decision as part of a broader commitment by the governor to restore harmony and uphold the cultural authority of the Benin monarchy.
The government’s statement went further to address policies that had antagonised the Benin palace, reversing a previous plan to convert the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre into a motor park. Okpebholo committed to preserving the centre as a cultural landmark, announcing plans to restore it to its original purpose. “This administration is reinstating the Oba Akenzua Centre to serve as a beacon of our heritage, rather than relegating it to a parking facility,” the statement added, underscoring the administration’s cultural commitment.
Furthermore, Okpebholo moved to reinstate the Benin Traditional Council’s financial entitlements, reversing measures that had disrupted the council’s revenue streams and affirming his respect for the traditional structures that underpin the cultural life of the Benin Kingdom. According to Itua, the governor’s actions reflect a strong dedication to supporting the authority of the Oba.
The statement also clarified the governor’s position on the fate of the repatriated Benin artefacts, publicly backing the Federal Government’s official gazette that affirms the Oba’s rightful ownership and custodianship of the artefacts. In a departure from his predecessor’s support of the Museum of West African Art project, Okpebholo has thrown his weight behind the Benin Royal Museum, a project closely aligned with the Oba’s vision for preserving the cultural treasures of the Benin people.
“The Federal Government has issued a gazette officially recognising the Oba as the custodian of the returned artefacts,” the statement noted. “Governor Okpebholo respects this right and supports the Oba’s role as the guardian of Benin’s cultural legacy. His administration will do everything necessary to support this custodianship and ensure the artefacts remain under the stewardship of the traditional institution.”
In a concluding remark, Okpebholo affirmed his administration’s non-interference policy in traditional affairs, pledging respect for the customs of the Benin people. “The Oba of Benin, as the father of all Benin people, is the sole custodian of the customs and traditions of our land,” he stated. “Our administration recognises and honours this role, and we are committed to preserving the cultural and historical integrity of the Benin Kingdom.”
This rapprochement between the Edo State government and the Benin monarchy is being hailed as a positive step toward preserving the rich heritage of the Benin Kingdom. With the prospect of legal disputes soon to be resolved, Edo State may well be on the cusp of a new era where traditional institutions and modern governance coalesce to support the shared legacy of one of Nigeria’s oldest kingdoms.
