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A longstanding dispute between the Edo State Government and the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has intensified, centering on the ownership and custody of ancient artefacts looted from the Oba of Benin’s palace during the 1897 Benin Massacre. The conflict has sparked intense discussions on cultural preservation and sovereignty.
The BTC, represented by legal experts Professors Yemi Akinseye-George, SAN, and Edoba Omoregie, SAN, has released a strongly worded statement, outlining the complexities of the disputes and laying bare the Council’s grievances. According to the Council, the Federal Government has already resolved the issue of rightful ownership in favor of the Palace, as gazetted in the ownership and custody of the artefacts.
The dispute escalated when the State Government proposed creating new traditional councils in Edo South, which the BTC fiercely opposed, citing concerns about the potential fragmentation of the Benin Kingdom’s cohesion and the Oba of Benin’s exclusive role in traditional matters. The Council has demanded the abolition of the newly established seven traditional councils in Edo South, the full restoration of their statutory financial entitlements, and a clear commitment from the Edo State Government to refrain from further interference in the internal affairs of the Benin Traditional Institution.
The statement reads, “The conflicts between the BTC and the Edo State Government appear to have begun with the bitter dispute over ownership of the ancient artefacts looted from the Palace of the Oba of Benin by the British Colonial forces during the Benin Massacre of 1897.”
The Council emphasized that the State Government’s plan would amount to balkanizing the Benin Kingdom, as there is no other traditional ruler in Edo South to preside over the proposed traditional councils than His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin.
Despite conciliatory efforts, the State Government proceeded to announce the creation of new traditional councils, which the BTC is currently challenging in the State High Court. The Council has also specified conditions for a genuine resolution, including the abolition of the newly established traditional councils, the full restoration of their statutory financial entitlements, and a clear commitment from the Edo State Government to refrain from further interference in the internal affairs of the Benin Traditional Institution.