Oba vs. Edo Government: Benin Traditional Council Sets Conditions for Peace with Obaseki
The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has outlined specific conditions for peace with the Edo State government, following Governor Godwin Obaseki’s offer to resolve the ongoing dispute with His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, and some suspended Enigie (dukes).
In a statement released on Wednesday through their solicitors, Professors Yemi Akinseye-George, SAN, and Edoba Omoregie, SAN, and provided to METROWATCH, the BTC expressed a willingness to settle the conflict amicably but stipulated several conditions.
The BTC’s demands include:
– The abolition of the new traditional councils in Edo South.
– The restoration of the BTC’s statutory financial entitlements to their status before the creation of the new councils, along with a refund of withheld funds.
– A commitment from the state government to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of the Benin Traditional Institution, respect for the Benin Customary Law, and acknowledgment of the Oba’s disciplinary authority.
– The withdrawal of the letter revoking the concession of the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre and its restoration for its original cultural purpose.
**Background of the Dispute**
The conflict between the state government and the Benin Royal Palace is deeply rooted, originating from the contentious issue of ownership of ancient artefacts looted from the palace of the Oba of Benin during the 1897 Benin Massacre by British forces. In April 2023, the federal government under then-President Muhammadu Buhari issued a gazette recognizing the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, as the rightful custodian of the repatriated artefacts. However, disputes over ownership persist.
Escalation of Tensions
The BTC explained that tensions escalated when some Enigie proposed creating new traditional councils in Edo South in a letter to the state government on November 20, 2022, a move strongly opposed by the BTC. The Council, through the Iyase of Benin and other palace representatives, tried to dissuade the state government from this plan, arguing it would fragment the Benin Kingdom and undermine the Oba’s authority.
Despite these efforts, the state government proceeded to establish new traditional councils across seven local government areas in Edo South, leading the BTC to challenge the decision in the State High Court. The government also withheld the BTC’s statutory financial entitlements.
Further complicating matters, the state governor welcomed some Enigie, including those suspended for violating traditional norms, and intervened in legal proceedings against them. The state government announced to the National Assembly that the creation of new traditional councils was final, while two Enigie filed a lawsuit to contest their suspensions.
Amid these tensions, the Edo State Government issued a notice to revoke the concession of the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre, repurposed as a motor park since 2016, exacerbating the BTC’s frustrations.
The BTC emphasized that the Oba of Benin, as the father of all Benin people, is the sole custodian of their customs and traditions, rejecting the government’s characterization of the dispute as a mere family affair within the Benin Royal Family.
“The conflicts between the BTC and the Edo State Government began with the bitter dispute over ownership of ancient artefacts looted from the Palace of the Oba of Benin during the Benin Massacre of 1897,” the BTC insisted.
The Council underscored the importance of non-interference in traditional matters, stating, “Any matter that affects the customs and traditions of the Benin people, of which His Royal Majesty is the exclusive custodian, cannot be reduced to a family affair of the Benin Royal Family.”
