PMB Congratulates New Oba Of Benin

It was a gathering yesterday of the cream de la crème of the Nigeria society in Benin City, the Edo State capital yesterday at official presentation of the staff of office to Oba Ewuare II,  Oba of Benin Kingdom (which incidentally was his birthday) amid pomp and substance. It was an event that attracted notable Nigerians from all walks of life.

President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, arrived at the Benin domestic airport in a presidential jet at exactly 10:35 am and was received by Governor Adams Oshiomhiole and other top government officials before and proceeding to the venue of the event.

Osinbajo described the Benin Kingdom as a not only a source of pride to the Edo people but to Nigeria and African in general, noting that it is also known for strongly resisting colonial oppression and for it superior administration as historically recorded.

Osinbajo said, in his message to the new Oba, that President Buhari recalled the services of the Oba’s late father, the Omo N’Oba Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Erediauwa, to the nation, describing him as one of the principled and forthright Nigerian he had ever met.

He also  congratulated Governor Oshiomhole for being the first Edo man in the century-old history of Benin to hand over the staff of office to a new Oba of Benin, adding that his name will surely finds a notable place in the rich history of the Benin Monarchy

“The great Benin history is not just a source of pride to the Edo but to Nigeria and, indeed, to the African people. It is a tradition of resistance to colonial oppression, of the egalitarianism and of superior administration.  It is the awesome responsibility of this illustrious legacy that your royal majesty bear from this day forward.

“Consequently, this ceremony is not merely a celebration of the pomp and pageantry of history; your work through your kingdom to this place of your coronation speak of the great obligation of privilege, obligation of protecting the communal and the cultural rights of the people and promoting their wellbeing.

“We are gratified that your meritorious service as a Nigerian ambassador and your sterling work in the oil and gas industry stand you out in good stead to fulfil the obligations that your incumbency of the throne of your ancestors impose. All of those who know you are convinced that you will discharge this responsibility with the great wisdom and integrity that your great ancestor displaced,” the vice president said.

The spectacular event. which took place at the traditional Urho-Okpota hall, was also attended by business mogul, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Gombe State governor, Ibrahim Dankwanbo; Osun State governor, Rauf Aregesola; minister of state for health, Osagie Ehanire; APC national chairman, John Odigie Oyegun; minister of information, Lai Mohammed, Captain Hosa Okunbo, Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, and members of the diplomatic corps.

Traditional rulers in attendance include Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III; Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi; Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar; Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris; Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe; Olu of Warri, Godfrey Ikenwoli Emiko,  former Governor Osarienmen Osunbor, Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

Forty-eight hours to the coronation ceremony, adjoining streets leading to the King’s Square were barricaded from traffic, with the heavy presence of a combined team of security agencies diverting motorists to other routes except for the very important personalities and few aides who were permitted access to Urho-Okpota hall, the main venue of the event.

Earlier, the Crown Prince had performed some traditional rites which include the symbolic crossing of Itsekhere Bridge to Urho-Okpota in Benin. These rite is meant to also establish the authority of the monarchy because he was still in the outskirts of the City.

The monarch was dressed completely in coral beads, said to weigh over 20 kilograms. It took the Oba several hours to arrive at the venue and guests from far and near waited patiently to witness the epochal ceremony.

The Oba finally arrived at the venue at about 3:26pm and was immediately followed by the final ritual performed by the Usama chiefs.

Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, in his remark, paid glowing tributes to the transited Oba Erediauwa, describing him as a father whose contributions remain indelible. He assured the new Oba of his full cooperation with the monarchy in the remaining few days of his administration.

Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, in his address shortly after Governor Oshiomhiole handed him the staff of office, promised to promote peace along with the principle of social justice using cultural diplomacy for the promotion of harmonious relationship with neighbours.

He urged the people of the state to promote the use of the Bini language among their children, adding that all hands must be on deck to ensure that everything possible is done to ensure that the Bini culture is maintained.

“Our culture and tradition remains one main thing that the international community respects us for. I appeal to our Benin people to uphold and respect our traditional institution at all times, and government to include Bini history in our curriculum. We shall forge links with the other traditional institution in Nigeria and beyond and we must especially acknowledge all monarchs from all parts of the world,” he said.

He added that under his reign, he will embark on efforts geared toward tackling poverty in the land.

“It is pertinent to express our deep concern to the pervasive poverty at the grass roots, rise in crime and juvenile delinquencies in our society; and the problem is aggravated by youth unemployment, “ he said.