The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has spoken out about how the former governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, held back the palace’s official funding for seven months.

According to the Oba, the move appeared intentional and seemed aimed at weakening the authority of the royal palace.

During a meeting with journalists, the monarch explained that the palace’s funds were first reduced, and later completely stopped for several months.

He said during this period, the palace had to manage its own affairs, including paying its workers and cleaning the surroundings.

The Oba believes that cutting off the palace funding was done deliberately to reduce its influence and disrespect the traditional institution.

However, he added that despite these efforts, God and his ancestors protected the palace, and those behind the plan did not succeed.

The Oba also remembered a past incident where a former military governor, who once got help from the palace, later disrespected it by building a house on a sacred land near the palace.

He stressed the need for a constitutional review that clearly outlines the powers and identity of traditional rulers.

According to him, taking back sacred lands that were wrongly taken is a priority, and defining the true role of traditional leaders will help avoid abuse and bring order.