The Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has insisted that the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare the second is the permanent chairman of the State Traditional Council of Obas and Chiefs and also the permanent Chairman of the Benin Traditional Rulers Council.
This was done when he received traditional rulers from Edo South Senatorial district in Government House, Benin City, who came to thank him for the implementation of a 1979 law on local council administration, which enables traditional rulers across the state receive monthly allowances to administer their domains.
The state government had on August 11, 2023, announced through a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, that it has approved the implementation of a 1979 law on Local Council Administration.
This translates to a new regime where all traditional rulers in the eighteen Local Government areas of the state will receive monthly allowances to manage their domains.
This prompted the Enigie from Edo South Senatorial District to pay an appreciation visit to Governor Godwin Obaseki in Government House, Benin City.
Leading them is the Enogie of Evbobanosa, His Royal Highness, Professor Gregory Akenzua.
Achieving maximum safety and security in their communities is one of the reasons Governor Obaseki gives for the action of the State Government.
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Given the fuel subsidy removal and need to support vulnerable persons especially at the grassroots, the approval enables traditional rulers to serve as intermediaries.
Contrary to insinuations in some quarters, the law does not reduce the status of the Oba of Benin.
It is the expectation of the State Government that the implementation of the law will lead to accelerated rate of development.
(Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie)
