The Oba of Benin, Omo n’ Oba Ukuakpolokpolo, Oba Eware II, has taken a swipe at the former governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki for allegedly trying to destroy the Benin traditional institution and for his perceived harmful policies that made the state toxic.
The Oba’s reprimand was contained in his congratulatory letter to Obaseki’s successor, Senator Monday Okpebholo on his successful first 100 days in office.
In a congratulatory message by the Royal Court of Benin, on behalf of the Benin Royal Family. the monarch who juxtaposed the conducts of the two governors, praised Okpebholo’s victory in the 2024 election, describing it as a turning point following a challenging period under the previous administration.
“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 was 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,” the message signed by Chief S. O, Obamwonyi, on behalf of the monarch stated.
It lamented that the former administration strove to destroy the Benin and other traditional institutions in the State through avoidable meddlesomeness which were calculated to destroy the entire fabric of the institution.
The letter specifically acknowledged the governor’s prompt action to reverse harmful policies, restore the Oba of Benin’s statutory rights, and strengthen the relationship between the state government and traditional institutions. These moves have been seen as efforts to heal the divide caused by the former administration.
The Royal Court also lauded the governor’s commitment to infrastructure development, noting the construction of three flyovers in Benin City and improvements in roads, schools, and healthcare across the state.
Concluding with prayers for the governor’s continued success, good health, and wisdom, the Royal Court expressed confidence in the governor’s leadership and the positive impact his administration will have on Edo State.
