The newly crowned monarch of the ancient Benin Kingdom will be known as Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku’ Akpolokpolo Ewuare 11.
Oba Ewuare 11 was yesterday installed as the 40th Oba in a carnival like ceremony at the famous Urhokpota Hall in Benin City, Edo State.
The Oba was presented with a staff of office by the state Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.
Oba Ewuare succeeded his father, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo Erediauwa whose transition was officially announced on April 29, 2016, by Benin Palace Chiefs.
The new Oba unveiled his official title at the presentation of staff of office ceremony, which was attended by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
There was also the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who shares the same ancestral Oranmiyan link with Ewuare.
The coronation had earlier been performed secretly according to the demand of tradition, before the presentation ceremony.
Our correspondent, who witnessed the event, reports that the crowning ceremony was performed at about 3.00 a.m. at Usama Palace, far from the prying eyes of cameras and press men.
The crowning at Usama palace was performed by the Usama N’ Ihiron also known as the Edion, led by Chief Oliha.
Chief Oliha was supported by other powerful rulers in the kingdom, including the Edionare Edohen, Ezomo, Ero, Eholo N’ Ire, Oloton and Edaiken.
A mammoth crowd later yesterday escorted the new King from Usama palace to Orhokpata in Benin.
The crowd had waited patiently while chanting songs of praises and incantation before the King came out exactly 1:05 p.m. and finally left the palace by 1:20 p.m.
As it is the ritual, the Oba of Benin walked through Oreogene and stopped by at Oloto palace, one of the seven Chiefs that performed the crowning ceremony at dawn.
The Oba thereafter visited a shrine at Iwehen junction to pay homage.
Then he walked through Ibiwe and later arrived at Urhokpota, where the crowning was officially performed by Chief Oliha of Benin.
Among the dignitaries were Iweghe, Iwebos, Ibiwe chiefs and youth, Ogbelaka chiefs, Isiemwenro guild, Ifieto, and Edigin N’Okakun.
The new monarch had relocated on October 11, to Usama palace to perform coronation rites, after spending three days at Urhokpota.
Governor Oshiomhole, who extolled the exemplary leadership quality of the late Oba Erediauwa, said the occasion presented the Benin people and the entire Edo nation a rare opportunity to showcase their rich cultural and traditional heritage.
With the ascension of the Oba to the throne, all forms of traditional activities which began several months ago when he began the journey automatically came to an end.
In his speech, Oba Ewuare 11 said he was a direct descendant of Prince Oranmiyan, adding that Oranmiyan should be enlisted as the first Oba of Benin Kingdom making him (Oba Ewuare) the 40th.
He posited that the coronation activities remain an embodiment of culture, aspirations and history of a people, adding that peace and unity would be the hallmark of his reign.
According to him, the Obaship as culture and tradition remains the channel through which the ancestors continue to guide and protect the interest of the people.
“We shall strive to ensure that conflicts are resolved between individuals, families and communities using the principles of social justice, while promoting harmony with our neighbors with cultural diplomacy,” he said.
He said his reign will sustain the principle of neutrality and non-partisanship in politics and that he will always join in praying for the best leader who will safeguard the welfare of the people and provide their basic needs to emerge at all times.
The Oba equally called for the introduction of Benin language into school curriculum in a bid to protect and preserve the rich Benin cultural heritage.
He thereafter announced the establishment of a N10m fund for the prosecution of an Oba Erediauwa Annual Lecture series which will feature orations on Benin history, Edo language and Public Administration.
The event attracted prominent traditional rulers from all nooks and crannies who came to celebrate the new entrant into the fold of royal fathers in the country.
Traditional rulers who graced the occasion amongst others are: Olu of Warri, Ogiamien Ikemwoli, Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnayelugo Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar III, Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Dein of Agbor, Dr Benjamin Ikechuku Keagborekuzi I.
Osinbajo, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari, described the late Oba as pride of the nation.
He assured that the Federal Government will partner with the Oba in the area of poverty alleviation and youth empowerment, adding that the experience and meritorious service rendered by the new Oba while he was the nation’s foreign Ambassador will equip him to discharge his responsibility as a royal father.
The new Oba was born on October 20, 1953 and crowned on his birthday.
He has three wives.
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