Royal Palace Praises Governor’s Early Decisions
The Palace of the Oba of Benin has publicly commended Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for what it described as decisive efforts to restore respect for traditional institutions and stabilise governance in the state during his first 100 days in office.
In the memo dated February 19, 2025, and signed by Chief S.O. Obamwonyi on behalf of the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, the Benin Royal Court congratulated the governor while also delivering a sharp criticism of the immediate past administration.
The correspondence, addressed to the governor at Government House in Benin City, framed Okpebholo’s emergence as a “watershed” moment in Edo State politics. According to the palace, his election marked what it called a turning point after years of tension between the government and traditional authorities.
Oba of Benin Memo Revisits Past Disputes
A major portion of the memo focused on actions allegedly taken under the previous administration, which the palace claimed weakened the authority of the Benin monarchy and traditional institutions across the state.
The royal court accused the former government of attempting to appropriate ancestral artefacts linked to the Oba of Benin. It also criticised the creation of traditional councils in Edo South, describing the move as contrary to Benin customary law and existing statutes governing traditional rulers in Edo State.
The palace further alleged that statutory entitlements due to the Benin Traditional Council were withheld. Another issue raised was the revocation of the concession granted for the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre. According to the memo, there was also an alleged plan to absorb part of the site into the former Central Hospital grounds earmarked for the Edo Museum of West African Art project.
The royal court argued that those actions created friction between the state government and the Benin traditional institution.
Palace Commends Policy Reversals
The letter praised Governor Okpebholo for reversing several policies shortly after assuming office. The palace said those steps helped rebuild trust between the state government and traditional authorities.
According to the memo, the governor restored the statutory rights of the Oba of Benin and repealed executive orders that allegedly threatened the unity of Edo South Senatorial District.
The palace also acknowledged ongoing infrastructure projects in Benin City and other parts of Edo State. Specific mention was made of road construction, school projects, healthcare improvements and the continuation of flyover works in the state capital.
Political and Cultural Significance
The memo highlights the enduring influence of traditional institutions in Edo politics. The Benin monarchy remains one of Nigeria’s most respected royal institutions, with deep cultural and historical authority among the Edo people.
Relations between the palace and the previous administration had become strained over issues tied to cultural heritage, governance structures and control of historical assets, especially the highly sensitive debate surrounding Benin artefacts and museum projects.
Political observers say the palace’s public endorsement may strengthen the governor’s standing among sections of the Edo electorate that place significant value on traditional leadership and cultural identity.
Palace Offers Prayers for Administration
Beyond politics, the letter adopted a conciliatory tone toward the future of the state. The palace offered prayers for the governor’s success and expressed hope that his administration would improve economic conditions and living standards for Edo residents.
Official Memo
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