By Raphael Okhiria About N1.3 billion is being shared to traditional rulers in Edo State, courtesy of the state government.The state commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Mr. Chris Nehikhare, told newsmen in Benin City that the money would be shared among the traditional rulers across the 18 local government areas of the state.According to him, “The Traditional rulers are sharing N1.3 billion. Traditional rulers in Edo South Senatorial district get N639.2 million and out of this, the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) gets N319.6 million while all the traditional rulers in seven local government in the district will share N255.7 million.”Traditional rulers in Edo Central get N299.8 million while traditional rulers in Edo North district will share N377.6 million”He further explained that the funding to the traditional rulers increased as a result of the inclusion of Value Added Tax (VAT) and the excess crude components.The commissioner, however denied the allegations making the round that the state government has reduced as well as withheld the monthly subvention to the Benin monarch, noting that the money accrued to the traditional rulers increased under governor Obaseki.Nehikhare disclosed that as a result of disagreement among some traditional rulers in the State, the traditional rulers agreed with the State Government to temporarily warehouse the fund in a central pool until the administrative issues were addressed. “It is important to state here that against the false information that the fund was withheld from July 2022 to July 2023, all statutory payment was paid until April 2023, when it was agreed for the funds to be warehoused till date for the resolution of outstanding issues.”These administrative issues have now been resolved by the Edo State Government and the palace delegation led by the Iyase of Benin, Chief Sam Igbe.”This pool of funds is now being disbursed to the various traditional rulers across the State as well as the Benin Traditional Council”, he added.Nehikhare maintained that the Oba of Benin remains a father that is well revered and cherished so much and whose words can’t take for granted.He further disclosed that the money being shared to the various traditional rulers will enable them assist the government to develop the state while contributing their quota from their various communities.
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