The Executive Council of Edo State Government has sanctioned the enforcement of a 1979 Law pertaining to local council administration. This approval implies that all traditional leaders across the state’s 18 local government areas will henceforth receive monthly stipends to facilitate their responsibilities.
As stated by the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie, Esq., this resolution was reached during the Executive Council assembly convened at the Government House in Benin City.
Ogie declared, “The Council agreed that a traditional council would be established in each local government area throughout the state’s 18 local councils.
“According to the law, the Oba of Benin continues to be the permanent chairperson of the Edo State Traditional Council of Obas and Chiefs and also the permanent chairperson of the Benin Traditional Council.
“The Benin Traditional Council serves as the overarching body of Edo South Traditional Council.
“The stipend will empower the traditional leaders in the 18 LGAs to execute their statutory roles, such as fostering social unity and tranquility, traditional surveillance, and harmonious coexistence across various communities.”
He further added, “The Edo EXCO reiterated that the Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, continues to be the permanent chairperson of the Edo State Traditional Council of Obas and Chiefs as well as the permanent chairperson of the overarching council in Edo South Senatorial District.
“It also emphasized that the budget and funding of the Benin Traditional Council will be entirely separate from the financing allocated to all other traditional councils of the various local government areas in the State.
“The Executive Council observed that with this development, the various traditional leaders across the local government areas will now be able to optimally execute their roles within their domains, collaborating with other relevant stakeholders to uphold peace and order and expedite grassroots development.”
“The newly implemented structure will also contribute to enhancing governance at the grassroots level, facilitate government’s connection with the populace, gather feedback on their needs, and also identify and assist the most impoverished in local and remote communities across the State.”
