The Edo state government executive council has approved the implementation of a 1979 Law on local council administration
The 40-year-old law, according to the government, translates to a new regime where all traditional rulers in the 18 local government areas of the state “will receive monthly allowances to administer their domains.”
In a statement, the Secretary to the State Government (SSD), Osarodion Ogie, said the decision was reached at the Executive Council meeting held at the Government House, Benin City.
“The Council resolved that there would be a traditional council in each local government area across the state’s 18 local councils. In the law, the Oba of Benin remains the permanent chairman of the Edo State Traditional Council of Obas and Chiefs and also the permanent chairman of the Benin Traditional Council.
“The Benin Traditional Council is the umbrella body of Edo South Traditional Council. The allowance will enable the traditional rulers in the 18 LGAs to perform their statutory roles, such as ensuring social cohesion and peace, traditional vigilance and harmonious living across various communities,” the statement read in part.
The SSG stressed that the budget and funding of the Benin Traditional Council would be completely independent of the financing “which goes to all other traditional councils of the various local government areas in the state.”
He added that the new structure “will help to deepen governance in the grassroots, enable government connect more with the people, get feedback on their needs and also identify and support the poorest of the poor in local and hard-to-reach communities across the state.”
