Edo Diaspora Action Committee Raises Concerns Over Creation of Traditional Councils and Alleged Withholding of Allocations

In a recent development, the Edo Diaspora Action Committee (EDAC), a non-governmental organization, expressed distrust and disapproval of the Edo State Government’s decision to establish traditional councils in all 18 councils of the state, particularly in Edo South.

Moreover, the group raised concerns over Governor Godwin Obaseki’s alleged withholding of seven months of federal allocation, amounting to over N600 million, which legally belongs to the Benin Traditional Council (BTC). EDAC labeled this action as just one example of the governor’s questionable approach when dealing with the palace, politicians, and the general populace.

The EDAC’s Publicity Secretary, Edwin Obabaifo, released a statement in Benin City, condemning the move as an insult to the race residing in the highly homogenous Edo South Senatorial District. Obabaifo emphasized the need for the policy to be retracted, highlighting the contradiction of granting monthly allowances to all traditional rulers while simultaneously withholding substantial funds from the BTC.