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From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has assured traditional rulers of his commitment to work closely with them to tackle insecurity and other challenges at the grassroots.
He gave the assurance when he received traditional rulers from Edo North, with the leader of the delegation, the Olokpe of Okpe, Oba Idogu III, accusing the immediate past administration of Godwin Obaseki of doing more harm than good to the traditional institution in the state.
Governor Okpebholo, who thanked the traditional rulers for the visit, said it was a step in the right direction, as they are veritable instruments for maintaining internal security.
He disclosed his administration’s respect for traditional institutions, recalling how just a few days ago, he restored the statutory rights of the Oba of Benin.
“I congratulate you for coming to see me. It is the right step in the right direction because royal fathers are strong instruments for internal security.
“History has shown that they were the first security officers of every community. This is how it ought to be because they know visitors and indigenes of their communities. My agenda is to work closely with you.
“We have started righting the wrongs of the immediate-past administration and if you listen to the news recently, we have restored the statutory rights of the Oba of Benin Kingdom.
“Yesterday, we held a meeting with the 18 local government chairmen and asked for their records. We will look into the records when they come in.
“You just mentioned something which we have noted down. We will look into it and any person who takes anything belonging to you, such a person would be made to return it.
“I will work closely with the traditional rulers to bring peace to Edo State and I will seek your advice when necessary,” the governor stated.
Leader of the delegation, Oba Idogu lll, said the last administration caused more harm than good.
“The last administration has done too much harm to the traditional institutions, especially in Akoko-Edo in Edo North, where a village head would just be given staff of office in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs without due process,” he said.
