FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
In a bid to foster cordial relations between government and the people, Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has restored full statutory rights of the Benin monarch over the contentious issue of the ownership of ancient artefacts looted from the palace during the 1897 Benin massacre by British colonial forces.
Also, the state government has withdrawn the letter revoking the concession of Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre issued by the last administration to be used as a motor park.
A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Fred Itua, stated that the administration is restoring the centre to a suitable condition for its original purpose and also abolish the new traditional councils in Edo South created by the last administration.
Accordingly, the governor has restored the statutory financial entitlements of the Benin Traditional Council, BTC.
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 distance itself from the Museum of West Africa Art, MOWA.
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.
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 that the monarch plays his role as the custodian of the rich cultural heritage of Benin people,” the statement said.
