Edo state Governor, Monday Okpebholo has granted Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, full ownership rights to returned stolen artifacts.
Gatekeepers News reports that chief press secretary (CPS), Fred Itua announced this through a statement released on Sunday.
Itua said the state government is revoking the concession of Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre, which was used as a motor park by the last administration.
In his inaugural address on November 12, Okpebholo said his administration would support traditional institutions and uphold Oba of Benin as exclusive owner of returned “looted artefacts from the Benin massacre of 1897 by British colonial forces.”
Okpebholo also restored the statutory financial entitlements of Benin Traditional Council (BTC) and ordered that the status quo before the creation of the now-abolished councils be maintained.
Itua noted that the decisions were in line with the Governor’s move to correct wrongs of the immediate-past administration and foster cordial relations between the government and the people.
The spokesman added that Okpebholo administration is restoring the centre to a suitable condition for its original purpose.
The statement reads, “This administration also hereby abolishes the new traditional councils in Edo South, created by the last administration.”
“Governor Okpebholo has restored the statutory financial entitlements of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) and has ordered that the status quo before the creation of the now abolished councils be maintained.”
“The Okpebholo administration is backing the initial plan of the State Government to build the Benin Royal Museum that will house the returned artefacts and is distancing itself from the Museum of West Africa Art (MOWA) which the previous administration fronted.”
“The Federal Government had issued a Gazette for the recognition of ownership and custody of the repatriated Benin artefacts to Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II. This was done through a Government Notice No.25 in the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette No.57, Volume 110.”
“Governor Okpebholo respects the rights and privileges of the traditional ruler of Benin Kingdom, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare ll 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.”
