By Cosmas Enahoro (Edo State Correspondent, in Benin)
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has assured traditional rulers in the State of his commitment to work closely with them to tackle insecurity and other challenges at the grassroots.
The Governor gave the assurance when he received traditional rulers from Edo North.
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.
His Chief Press Secretary, Fred Ituah, said in a statement that the governor 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.
Governor Okpebholo said: "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.”
Leader of the delegation and the Olokpe of Okpe, HRH Oba Idogu lll, said the last administration, led by Godwin Obaseki, caused more harm than good.
“The last administration had 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. NNL.
