By Ogochukwu Isioma
The Oba of Benin Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare ll, has congratulated the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo on his developmental strides in the State just within 100 days in office.
The Benin first-class monarch made the commendation in a congratulatory message to the governor signed by Chief Stanley Osamwonyi, the Esere of Benin and made available to journalists in Benin City, Edo State.
Oba Ewuare ll said without any iota of doubt, the victory of Governor Okpebholo at the September 21, 2024 governorship election is a watershed in the electoral history of the State, noting that the victory was a divine answer to Edo people’s prayer for an end to the previous administration that had rendered the whole environment very toxic.
The Oba noted that disrespect and disregard for the rule of law was the order of the day during the previous administration.
He added that the “psyche” of the people of Edo State was severely brutalized and traditional institution in the State was also undermined, insulted and almost destroyed.
“There seemed to have been a vengeance against Edo people for reasons better known to the perpetrators which virtually took over the governance of the State before your Excellency took office,” he said.
The revered monarch said prior to the inauguration of Governor Okpebholo, the traditional institution in the State which forms a supportive part of governance had been subjected to the most avoidable meddlesomeness which was a calculated attempt to destroy the entire fabric of the institution.
The Oba added that these orchestrated design was undertaken in several ways including: through the unwarranted attempt to appropriate ancient ancestral artifacts which belong to the Oba of Benin, as well as through an unlawful move to create traditional councils in Edo South in total disregard for the established customary laws of the Benin people as duly declared in the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Laws of the State.
Other means he said were through the denial of statutory entitlements to the Benin Traditional Council, among other unfortunate actions and, through the revocation of the concession of Oba Akenzua ll Cultural Centre which was concessioned to HRM Oba Ewuare ll and the clandestine attempt to annex part of it and add to the Central Hospital Grounds which was demolished to make way for a private museum called MOWAA.
The statement continued; “To the glory of God Almighty and our ancestors, on your inauguration as governor, your Excellency immediately reversed these unlawful, wicked and inappropriate actions, thus putting an end to the schism between the Benin traditional institution and the State government. For these statesmanly acts of lawfulness, and respect for the traditional institution of the Benin people and Edo State as a whole, history will remember your Excellency in glory”.
Oba Ewuare ll said in the last 100 days of the administration of Governor Okpebholo, he has demonstrated his commitment in partnering and respecting the traditional institutions in the State towards engendering a more robust institutional collaboration for peace and development in the State.
“Remarkably, is the unprecedented steps your administration is taking to construct long-lasting infrastructure across the State particularly the construction of three flyovers in Benin City, the State capital. It is also on record that a number of roads and schools and the health sector across the State are receiving the attention of your administration just within a short space of three months in office.
“Your Excellency, as a foremost traditional ruler and chairman of the Edo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs, it is our earnest prayers that Almighty God and our ancestors will guide and protect you and your administration to be able to improve the economy and transform the lives of Edo people in general.
“Be assured that our prayers and support are always with you and members of your administration and family in the quest to make Edo better.
“I am confident that with your Excellency’s great display of good faith, compassion and determination to right the wrongs of the past and uplift the well-being of the good people of Edo State, your administration shall be a resounding success. It is my earnest prayers that God Almighty and our ancestors shall continue to grant you good health, wisdom and unfailing energy to successfully govern the State and achieve all your aspirations as governor”, the statement concluded.
Copy of the letter below;
