The government of Edo State has initiated the process of distributing over ₦1.3 billion to the Council of Traditional Rulers in the state. This sum represents the outstanding five percent of local government allocations due to the traditional rulers, which had been held back during a period of internal discord within the council.
In a joint press briefing held in Benin, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare, and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Monday Osaigbovo, declared that the funds are currently being disbursed. Nehikhare explained that before the tenure of Governor Godwin Obaseki, the traditional council was only receiving the basic allocation from the 18 local government areas, excluding components such as Value Added Tax (VAT) and excess crude earnings.
The ₦1.3 billion now being distributed to the traditional rulers includes the arrears of VAT and excess crude earnings from July 2022, as well as the amount agreed to be set aside during a misunderstanding in April 2023. Nehikhare stressed that the government had never intentionally withheld the allocation, but had aimed to settle the internal issues of the council before releasing the funds.
Of the total sum, traditional rulers from the seven local governments in Edo South Senatorial District received ₦639.2 million, with the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) receiving ₦319.6 million. Traditional rulers in the remaining local governments received ₦255.7 million. In Edo North Senatorial District, traditional rulers from the six local governments received ₦377.6 million, while those from the five local governments in Edo Central Senatorial District received ₦299.8 million.
Nehikhare reiterated that Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, continues to be the supreme leader of all traditional rulers in Edo South. He assured that there is no conflict between the council of traditional rulers and the state government, underlining the government’s commitment to assigning additional responsibilities to traditional rulers, especially in maintaining security within their domains.
Commissioner Osaigbovo clarified that the Obaseki administration had adjusted the calculation of the five percent allocation to encompass all relevant elements, leading to an increased sum for the council of traditional rulers. He pointed out that Edo State has a distinct sharing formula compared to other states.
With this resolution, the government anticipates a more harmonious administration at the level of traditional rulers, and Nehikhare expressed satisfaction with the commencement of fund distribution by the 18 local government areas. The government remains dedicated to ensuring security and the protection of lives and property, positioning traditional rulers as key stakeholders in these efforts.
