Benin Solidarity Movement (BSM) worldwide view with concern the recent action of the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki, stopping the payment of traditional rulers stipends an action which has variously affected the payment of the salaries of workers in the employ of the traditional rulers.
Obaseki’s directive to the local government councils stopping them from paying the traditional rulers stipends is seen by the Benin Solidarity Movement (BSM) as a way of confronting the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare11 N’Ogidigan, a fallout of the ongoing issue of Benin artefacts ownership and control.
Governor Obaseki should be told in clear terms that his actions are under watch and he should know that he would in the long run be accountable for his actions no matter how devilish he couch them.
It is high time he is told that he should squarely face the affairs of state governance which he was voted to administer and keep off issues of royalty and traditional rulership.
The soon to be returned stolen Benin artefacts are of the Benin heritage and only the Omo N’Oba N’Edo as the custodian of Benin culture and tradition or his representative can handle it on behalf of the Benin people.
For the umpteenth time we are advising Godwin Obaseki to stay clear of issues relating to the Benin custom and tradition so that he will not get his scalp burn in this his incessant interferences.
A word is enough for the wise!
Signed
Elder Curtis Eghosa Ugbo,
President,
Benin Solidarity Movement (BSM) worldwide
Tuesday, July 12th, 2021
