Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has assured traditional rulers in the state that his administration will collaborate with them to maintain peace and security.

Governor Okpebholo made this promise while receiving Edo North Traditional Rulers at the Government House in Benin City.

He emphasized the importance of traditional institutions in maintaining internal security, citing the restoration of the statutory rights of the Oba of Benin as an example of his administration’s commitment to respecting traditional institutions.

“History shows that they were the first security officers of every community. This is how it ought to be because they know the visitors and the indigenes of that community, my agenda is to work closely with you,” Governor Okpebholo said.

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He also commended the traditional rulers for their support, saying, “I want to thank you for the support you have given to my administration so far. Your visit is a right step in the right direction as you are instruments for internal security.”

The leader of the delegation of Edo North Traditional Rulers’ Forum, HRH Oba Idogu III, the Olokpe of Okpe, expressed gratitude to the governor for receiving them and praised his efforts to restore the statutory rights of the Oba of Benin.

However, Oba Idogu III also lamented the harm caused by the previous administration to traditional institutions, particularly in Akoko-Edo in Edo North. He appealed to the governor to reconstitute the Edo State Council of Traditional Rulers, which would enable them to play their role in partnership with the government.

In a related development, Governor Okpebholo met with leaders from Okpella Community, where he condemned the killings and violence caused by the appointment of the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella.

“I felt very bad when I was informed about the killings in the area occasioned by the appointment of Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, and I said it is not acceptable to my administration, and we would therefore find a way to address it,” Governor Okpebholo said.

He emphasized that kingship is very important to communities, as no one can install or impose a king on the people. He added that kingship should be the collective decision of kingmakers.

“I will invite you here again to discuss with the kingmakers to get the full details of what happened in Okpella and how we can resolve it as quickly as possible. Okpella must be a safe ground for us because we have a lot of mineral deposits in Okpella,” Governor Okpebholo said.
The governor also noted that the presence of two big cement companies in Okpella requires absolute peace to operate. He expressed confidence that the issue of kingship in Okpella would be resolved soon, and peace would be restored to the community.