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Oba of Benin now has full statutory rights to returned artefacts – Okpebholo

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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.”

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Kogi’s Ododo Tasks Officials on Grassroots Engagement, Clears N98.8bn Debt

“Governor Ododo is driving a government that listens, learns, and leads from the grassroots. His directive on Made-in-Kogi fabrics is a strategic move to grow our economy and export our identity,” Fanwo said.

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Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has charged government officials to remain close to the grassroots and ensure constant engagement with the people, noting that such connection is key to responsive governance.

Also in a separate briefing, the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Mukadam Asiwaju Asiru Idris, announced that within just 15 months, the Ododo administration has fully liquidated N98.8 billion in debts inherited from previous administrations.

“We are in government to serve the people, and that means staying connected to their needs and aspirations,” said Ododo during the Kogi State Executive Council meeting held today at the EXCO Hall, Government House, Lokoja.

LOCAL PATRONAGE

As part of efforts to boost the local economy, the Governor also directed all government officials to wear Made-in-Kogi fabrics as a show of support for indigenous industries.

He encouraged the citizens to take pride in local products and lead a cultural and economic renaissance from within.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said the administration is committed to making governance more visible and impactful.

“Governor Ododo is driving a government that listens, learns, and leads from the grassroots. His directive on Made-in-Kogi fabrics is a strategic move to grow our economy and export our identity,” Fanwo said.

On infrastructure, Fanwo disclosed that the perimeter fencing at the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara is 90 percent completed, while both male and female hostels have been completed and are already housing students.

Similar projects at the Kogi State University, Kabba, are progressing satisfactorily.

As part of efforts to boost the local economy, the Governor also directed all government officials to wear Made-in-Kogi fabrics as a show of support for indigenous industries

To improve public safety, the Council also approved a bill to restrict the movement of heavy trucks during peak hours.

Another bill was approved for the establishment of the Kogi State Agency for Climate Change as part of a forward-thinking response to global environmental challenges.

STATE‘s DEBT BREAKDOWN

Regarding the paid state debt, he said:

“The breakdown includes: • N8 billion in bonds from the Idris Wada administration. • N50.8 billion salary bailout from the last administration. • N10 billion ECA-backed infrastructure loan. • N15 billion infrastructure loans from Zenith Bank and another N15 billion from UBA Plc.”

“This is a landmark achievement. His Excellency Governor Ododo has demonstrated fiscal discipline and commitment to economic recovery.

Within 15 months, we have cleared N98.8 billion in inherited debt,” Idris said.

He added that Fitch Ratings has upgraded Kogi State’s credit rating from ‘B-’ to ‘B’, with a stable outlook, citing prudent financial management.

As of September 30, 2024, the state’s debt profile stands at N40.5 billion, placing it on a strong path to debt sustainability.

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FG Declares June 6, 9 Holidays To Mark Eid-Ul-Adha

This was announced by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement issued on behalf of the Federal Government on Monday.

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The Federal Government has declared Friday, June 6, and Monday, June 9, 2025, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Adha celebration.

This was announced by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement issued on behalf of the Federal Government on Monday.

The minister congratulated all Muslims in Nigeria and the Diaspora on the occasion, urging the Ummah to continue to embody the spirit of sacrifice, obedience, and faith as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon Him).

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I use my popularity to elevate PDP in Rivers, what did you do in Lagos?– Wike criticises Bode George

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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has reacted over the recent comments by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, Bode George, asserting that his own efforts brought prominence and electoral success to the party, rather than the other way around.

Speaking during his monthly media briefing in Abuja on Monday, Wike responded to George’s claim that the PDP had made him a nationally recognized figure.

The former Rivers State governor acknowledged the role the party played in his rise, but maintained that it was his own work and influence that led to tangible victories for the PDP particularly where others, including George, had failed.

“It’s true the party gave me a platform,” Wike said.“But platforms don’t win elections people do. Ask yourself, who has PDP made relevant in Lagos since 1999?”

Wike criticized George for allegedly contributing little to the party’s electoral strength in Lagos, pointing to his own record of building the PDP into a formidable force in Rivers State and beyond.

He suggested that George, given his age and current position, might be better off stepping back from political commentary.

“If he has no role anymore, perhaps it’s time he stayed home and read newspapers,” Wike remarked, in a pointed rebuke.

The minister also addressed criticism surrounding the temporary sealing of the PDP’s national headquarters over unpaid ground rent.

He clarified that he is not the property’s owner and cannot be held accountable for the liabilities, emphasizing that even resolving the issue had required intervention from the highest levels.

“There were claims that the sky would fall—yet the matter couldn’t be resolved without the President’s involvement,” he said.

In a final jab, Wike reflected on past struggles to strengthen the PDP during the Goodluck Jonathan administration, suggesting that despite their efforts, support in Lagos remained elusive.

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