Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has abolished the new traditional councils created by his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, in Edo South senatorial district.
The governor also restored the statutory financial entitlements of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) and ordered that the status quo before the creation of the now-abolished councils be maintained.
Additionally, Okpebholo complied with the Federal Government’s directive by restoring the full statutory rights of the Oba of Benin on the ownership of ancient artefacts looted by the British colonial forces during the 1897 Benin massacre.
The state government also withdrew the letter revoking the concession of the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre issued by the last administration.
The Okpebholo administration is committed to restoring the centre to its original purpose and backing the initial plan to build the Benin Royal Museum to house the returned artefacts.
The governor has pledged to support the Oba of Benin as the custodian of the rich cultural heritage of the Benin people and to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of the Benin Traditional Council.
