News
Oba of Benin now has full statutory rights to returned artefacts – Okpebholo
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has officially granted full ownership rights of the repatriated Benin artefacts, looted during the 1897 British invasion, to the Oba of Benin.
In a statement on Sunday, Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, announced key decisions that affirm the administration’s respect for Benin’s cultural heritage and its traditional institutions.
Among the actions taken, Governor Okpebholo abolished the newly created traditional councils in Edo South established by the previous administration. He also revoked the concession of the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre, previously converted into a motor park, restoring it to its original purpose.
On his inauguration on November 12, Governor Okpebholo had pledged to honor the Oba of Benin as the exclusive custodian of the artefacts returned from Western nations. This stance aligns with a Federal Government gazette recognizing the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, as the rightful owner of the artefacts through Government Notice No. 25 in the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette No. 57, Volume 110.
Restoration of Traditional Authority
Governor Okpebholo has reinstated the statutory financial entitlements of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) and emphasized maintaining the pre-existing status quo prior to the establishment of the abolished councils. His administration has also expressed full support for the construction of the Benin Royal Museum to house the artefacts, distancing itself from the Museum of West Africa Art (MOWAA), an initiative championed by the previous administration.
According to Itua, “Governor Okpebholo respects the rights and privileges of the traditional ruler of the Benin Kingdom, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II. The administration is committed to ensuring the Oba fulfills his role as custodian of the rich cultural heritage of the Benin people.”
Non-Interference in Traditional Affairs
The governor further assured that his administration would refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of the Benin Traditional Council. “The Oba of Benin, as the father of all Benin people, is the sole custodian of their customs and traditions. My administration respects these traditions and hereby restores the statutory rights of the Oba as the true custodian of the returned artefacts,” Okpebholo said.
He reaffirmed his government’s dedication to supporting traditional institutions and ensuring the rights of the revered Oba are fully upheld. “Governor Okpebholo is leveraging his constitutional authority to restore all statutory rights of the Monarch not explicitly mentioned, in recognition of the Oba’s pivotal role in preserving the culture and traditions of the Benin Kingdom.”
News
LASG reopens Abbatoir at Oko-Oba
The announcement was made by the State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab in a statement he personally signed.
image credit : arisetv
Lagos State Government on Friday night directed the immediate re-opening of the Abbatoir at Oko-Oba following the fulflment of sanitation and hygienic prescriptions by the operators.
The announcement was made by the State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab in a statement he personally signed.
Mr Wahab said that the operators have substantially complied with the minimum benchmark for the operations of abbatoirs in the state which was flagrantly flouted necessitating the closure.
He informed that part of the conditions for the reopening is that on a monthly basis, the ministry of the Environment and Water Resources officials will conduct a periodic inspection of the facilities at the Abbatoir.
He urged the operators to avoid unsanitary activities, waste mismanagement and unhygienic handling of animal products as they conduct their businesses.
It will be recalled that the Oko-Oba Abbatoir was shut by the State Government on June 20 following an inspection by top State officials which discovered a flagrant disregard of the laws guiding safe operations of abbatoirs in the state.
SignedKunle AdeshinaDirector (Public Affairs)June 27, 2025
News
Again, Vanguard’s Editor, Eze Anaba Emerges NGE President
The Managing Director of The Sun newspaper, Onuoha Ukoh, clinched the position of General -Secretary .
Anaba, who was the incumbent, was returned unopposed, a development attributed to his widely acknowledged record of administrative excellence.
THE Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) on Friday reelected Mr Eze Anaba – the Editor of the Vanguard newspaper, as the President, during their ongoing Biennial National Convention in Enugu.
Anaba, who was the incumbent, was returned unopposed, a development attributed to his widely acknowledged record of administrative excellence.
The Managing Director of The Sun newspaper, Onuoha Ukoh, clinched the position of General -Secretary .
Other elected officers include:
Deputy President: Sabastine Abu
Vice President, West: Karbi Alabi
Vice Presidents: Hamza Idris and Sheddy Ozoene
Treasurer: Iyobosa Uwugiaren
Assistant Secretary: Gabriel Fulajimi Akinadewo
Publicity Secretary: Charles Kanu
Earlier , the Chairman of Channels Media Group, Dr. John Momoh had said that there can be no security without justice, and no unity without progress.
Momoh, who was Chairman of the Convention said that there can be no progress within inclusion.
He pointed out that insecurity has reared its head in many of Nigeria’s regions, while the country had witnessed divisions across ethnic and religious limes, while economic hardship and rising frustrations have made the citizens ask tough questions about Nigeria’s future.
Momoh enjoined the media not only to report conflict, but to also spotlight solutions. “Let’s promote understanding. Let’s be bridge-builders’, he said.
Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has resigned as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), with immediate effect.
Ganduje, who previously served as the Governor of Kano State from 2015 to 2023, cited health reasons for his resignation, stating the need to focus on his personal well-being.
His tenure as APC chairman, which began in August 2023, was riddled with internal party crises, legal disputes, and allegations of financial misconduct.
While his resignation letter attributed the move solely to health concerns, party insiders suggest rising political tension and internal opposition may have influenced his decision.
There have also been reports linking his exit to accusations of financial impropriety.
Some party members allegedly protested against what they described as “excessive financial demands” from his office—particularly over complaints by aspirants for FCT area council positions about the high fees required to secure party tickets.
Ganduje’s leadership faced multiple legal challenges. In April 2024, a Kano State High Court issued an ex parte order barring him from identifying as a party member, following a suit filed by some APC officials.
Although a separate suit filed by the APC North Central Forum seeking his removal was later dismissed by a Federal High Court in Abuja, his position remained contentious.
As the APC is yet to issue an official statement, speculation continues to mount over the true circumstances of Ganduje’s departure and its potential implications for the party’s future direction.
LASG reopens Abbatoir at Oko-Oba
Again, Vanguard’s Editor, Eze Anaba Emerges NGE President
BREAKING: Ganduje Resigns as APC National Chairman with immediate effect
Tech Expert, Zuckerberg trains with UFC champions, Adesanya, Alexander
Organ Trafficking: Ekweremadu bags 10 years in UK prison
SAINT OBI: Between his marriage and his death
-
Politics3 days ago2027 Election: INEC refuses to approve Jegas’ PRP Party (Full list of Applicants)
-
Sports3 days agoSuper Eagles Goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, to Establish Football Academy in Enugu
-
Politics3 days agoPDP Postpone 100th NEC Meeting, Reinstates Anyawu National Secretary
-
Business3 days agoMultiChoice reduces prices for DStv subscribers by 50%
-
News2 days agoMokwa flood victims get N1m each, Shop Owners N500k
-
News3 days agoLagos Alerts Motorists on 110-Day Ogudu/Ifako Bridge Repairs
-
News3 days agoJUST IN: No service extension for corper who criticised Tinubu – NYSC
-
Business3 days agoNigeria, Brazil rejig strategic alliance to boost trade, clean energy, agric, others at business forum