On the occasion of his 100th day in office, Senator Monday Okpebholo received congratulations from the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II.
The monarch praised the governor for dismantling the new traditional councils in Edo South that the previous administration had established, and he added that Okpebholo’s respect for the traditional institution of the Benin people and Edo State as a whole would always be remembered.
Okpebholo’s actions and his administration’s efforts to build durable infrastructure throughout the state were also commended.
The statement reads: “It is with great pride and profound gratitude to God Almighty and our ancestors that I write this letter to Your Excellency. On behalf of the Royal Court of Benin, the Benin Royal Family, the good people of Benin in particular, and Edo in general, both at home and in the Diaspora, I extend my hearty congratulations to Your Excellency as you mark 100 days in office as Governor of Edo State.”
“Without any iota of doubt, your victory at the polls was a watershed in the electoral history of the State. It was a divine answer to our people’s prayers for an end to the previous administration that had rendered the whole environment in Edo State very toxic. Disrespect and disregard for the rule of law were the order of the day. The psyche of the people of Edo State was severely brutalized.”
“Edo State Traditional Institutions were also severely 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.”
“Prior to your inauguration as Governor of the State, the traditional institution in the State, which forms a supportive part of State governance had been subjected to the most avoidable meddlesomeness which was calculated to destroy the entire fabric of the institution.” This orchestrated design was undertaken in several ways, including:
“i) Through the unwarranted attempt to appropriate ancient ancestral artefacts which belong to the Oba of Benin;
“ii) Through the unlawful move to create Traditional Councils in Edo South in total disregard of the established customary law of the Benin people as duly declared in the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law of the State.
“iii) Through the denial of statutory entitlements to the Benin Traditional Council, among other unfortunate actions; and
“iv) The revocation of the concession of Oba Akenzua II Cultural Center which was concessioned to HRM OBA EWUARE II and the clandestine attempt to annex part of it to add to the CENTRAL HOSPITAL GROUND which was demolished to make way for a private museum called MOWAA.
“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 forever remember Your Excellency in glory.”
“In the last 100 days, you have demonstrated your commitment to partnering and respecting the traditional institutions in the State towards engendering a more robust institutional collaboration for peace and development in the State.”
“Your Excellency of remarkable significance is the immediate restoration of the statutory rights of the Oba of Benin and the abrogation of the Executive Orders which sought to balkanize and disunite Edo South Senatorial District. The Royal Court of Benin remains appreciative of your efforts at stabilizing the role of traditional institutions in the State.”
“Remarkably, is the unprecedented steps your administration is taking to construct long-lasting infrastructures across the State particularly the flagging of 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 prayer that Almighty God and our ancestors will guide and protect you and your administration to be able to improve the economy of the state 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 State 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 wellbeing of the good people of Edo State, your administration shall be a resounding success. It is my earnest prayer 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.”
