The newly-crowned monarch of the ancient Benin Kingdom, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku’ Akpolokpolo Ewuare 11 has formally assumed the reign.
The Oba took a symbolic name and title today, Thursday at the presentation of staff of office ceremony, which was attended by the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, and the host Governor, Adams Oshiomhole. Also in attendance was the King of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who shares the same ancestral Oranmiyan link with Ewuare.
The coronation had earlier been performed secretly, according to the demand by tradition, before the presentation ceremony.
The News Agency of Nigeria correspondent, who witnessed the event, reports that the crowning ceremony was performed at about 3am at Usama Palace, far from the prying eyes of cameras and newsmen.
The crowning at the 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 Edion, Edohen, Ezomo, Ero, Eholo N’ Ire, Oloton and Edaiken.
A mammoth crowd later escorted the new king from Usama palace to Orho-Okpata in Benin.
The crowd had waited patiently while chanting songs of praises and incantation before the King came out exactly 1:05pm and finally left the palace by 1:20pm.
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 Urho-Okpota, 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 Urho-Okpota.
He was presented a staff of office by Governor Oshiomhole.
The new Oba was born on October 20, 1953 and crowned on his birthday.
He has three wives.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged the full support of the Federal Government for the Royal Destiny Trust programme of the newly installed Oba of Benin, Ewuare II.
Buhari, represented by Vice President Yemi Osibanjo, made the pledge at the coronation of the Oba in Benin on Thursday.
The President, who congratulated the new monarch, also prayed for his success.
Buhari said: “On behalf of the president and government of the federal republic of Nigeria, I congratulate you on this momentous and historic occasion.
“We assure you of our full support, especially for the royal destiny trust
programme for youth employment and poverty alleviation which your royal majesty has set out.”
Buhari described the late father of the new Oba as a principled and forthright Nigerian.
He said the father contributed to the development of the country, urged Oba Ewuare II to sustain the legacy left behind by his ancestors.
Buhari also said: “It is the responsibility of this illustrious legacy that your royal majesty bear from this day forward.
“Consequently, this ceremony is not merely a celebration of the pump and pageantry of history.
“Your walk through your kingdom to this place of your coronation speaks of the great obligation of privilege; the obligation of protecting the cultural rights of the people and promoting their wellbeing.
“We are gratified that your meritorious service as Nigeria ambassador to various nations and your sterling works in the oil and gas industry stand you in good stead to fulfill these obligations.
“All of those who know you are convinced that you will discharge these responsibilities with great wisdom and integrity that your great ancestors have all displayed.”
The President also congratulated Governor Adam Oshiomhole on being the first Edo State man to hand over a staff of office to a new Oba.
He said: “Today, your name finds a notable place in the rich history of Edo monarchy.” [myad]
