Oba of Benin hails Okpebholo over end to palace financial hardship
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Oba revealed that the palace faced financial hardship due to withheld funds.
By Imelda Osayande
The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, has praised Gov. Monday Okpebholo led Edo government for helping to end financial hardship being faced by the palace with restoration of its full statutory entitlement.
Oba of Benin revealed this on Friday while receiving journalists covering activities in the state in his palace.
The Oba revealed to the journalists led by Chairman Comrade Festus Alenkhe, at his palace in Benin City that the palace faced financial hardship due to withheld funds.
“The palace had to bear the burden of paying staff and maintaining its environment,” the monarch stated.
He refrained from naming who caused the financial neglect but appreciated Governor Okpebholo’s respect for tradition and the release of due funds.
The Oba also acknowledged the Federal Government’s efforts in recovering looted Benin artefacts from foreign institutions and collections.
He stressed the value of cultural heritage and the crucial need to safeguard and preserve it for future generations.
The Oba called on Edo residents to support the present administration so it can deliver on its electoral promises and development agenda.
His appeal underscores the importance of harmony between the traditional institution and government to achieve meaningful progress.
Oba Ewuare also urged a constitutional review to clearly define the roles and functions of traditional rulers across the country.
He said there must be clarity on who qualifies as a traditional ruler to avoid abuse and promote proper traditional leadership.
This, he said, would help ensure traditional institutions function effectively within Nigeria’s evolving system of governance.
Oba Ewuare recalled a grievance where a military regime, in spite of favours from his grandfather, built a storey building on sacred palace grounds out of spite.
He vowed that all sacred grounds taken over would be reclaimed, stressing the need to preserve historical and spiritual heritage sites.
(NAN)
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