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.”