The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has described the restoration of his full statutory rights by Governor Monday Okpebholo as ‘devastating on our detractors’.

Newsmen reports that the Oba also described the abolition of the newly created traditional councils in Edo South senatorial district by the immediate past government of Godwin Obaseki as “joyous to our friends, and marvelous in the eyes of the Almighty God”.

The Benin monarch in a letter of appreciation to Governor Monday Okpebholo, dated November 27, 2024, also hailed the incumbent state government for the withdrawal of the letter revoking the concession of Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre in Benin and other issues of concern by the Governor Obaseki’s administration.

The letter was signed by prominent Palace Chiefs, including Norense Ozigbo-Esere (Osuma of Benin), Edionwe Oliha (Oliha of Benin), Stanley Obamwonyi (Esere of Benin), Osaro Idah (Obazelu of Benin), among others.

Osaigbovo Iguobaro, the Chief Press Secretary to the Oba, who made the statement available to newsmen in Benin City, said the palace thanked the state government for restoring the Oba of Benin’s full statutory rights.

Part of the letter reads: “We deeply thank your Excellency for deeming it fit and necessary to restore the full Statutory Rights of the Oba of Benin, for respecting the rights and privileges of the Omo N’Oba as the only Traditional Ruler of Benin Kingdom in Edo South Senatorial District and custodian of the rich-cultural heritage.

“This action of Your Excellency, which is coming barely two weeks into your administration, is very well applauded. It is devastating on our detractors. It’s joyous to our friends, and marvelous in the eyes of the Almighty God.

“The Omo N’Oba prays for God Almighty to continue to strengthen and guide your Excellency as you continue to bring about a meaningful and robust transformation of Edo State.”

The Benin monarch opined that God brought Governor Okpebholo to sanitise Edo State.

Newsmen recalls that the previous administration of Godwin Obaseki had withdrawn Oba of Benin’s statutory rights following the creation of parallel Benin Traditional Councils (BTCs) across the seven Local Government Areas in Edo South Senatorial District of the State amid uprising by suspended Enigie (Benin Dukes), accused of spearheading rebellion against Benin monarchy.