Months of painstaking preparation of the regal coronation of the 40th Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II may have finally come and gone, the nostalgia of that historical event that took place five years ago, will always linger for a long time in the minds of sons and daughters of Benin kingdom and visitors that converged at that memorable event.
The historical event did not only attract the presence of prominent international guests, Heads of States, Governors past and present, Diplomats, highly respected monarchs and high caliber Nigerians, various cultural groups like the Iten Edo theater group, Benin Royal Dynasty trust dance and many others were on ground to add glamour to the colourful event.
Chief David Edebiri, The Esogban of Benin Kingdom who spoke to Vijon during that colourful event said “This is the first step of the threshold to the throne of Benin. It is very historical and important part of the Benin tradition”.
In line with the Benin tradition, Oba Ewuare II ascended the pristine throne of his fore fathers, as the 40th Oba of Benin following the transition to glory of his father Oba Erediauwa, who joined his ancestors in April 2016. He assumed the name, Ewuare N’ Ogidigan II, bringing back memories of his ancestor and predecessor, who ascended the throne between 1180-1300 AD. Binis have one Monarch who is the rallying point of the Benin traditional administration and head of the historic Eweka dynasty of the great Benin Empire.
Besides the traditional rituals, Oba Ewuare II had earlier embarked “on a foot procession” where he stopped at a sacred palm tree called “Odin Amamieson- aimiuwa” (meaning “work before pleasure) He arrived Iya-akpan where Uselu Chiefs took leave of him, thereafter, Oredo Chiefs took over before proceeding to Eko-ahae (Urhokpota ground) where he stayed for three days for private ceremonies. He left Eko-Ohae for Usama Palace, where he continued his coronation rituals before moving to Use village.
There were many stages he went through before taking his seat as the Oba of Benin. Some of this elaborate rituals include:
*Installation as the Edaiken
*Usema
*Evbiekoi
*Ego
*Iyanhien title
*Use
*Oba’s Palace
The seamless transmission of power to Oba Ewuare II, was officially presented by the former Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole .
The week -long event witnessed visits of many sons and daughters of Benin origin who came in their large numbers to reaffirm their loyalty to their rich history and culture.
Among the array of dignitaries that attended the memorable event was His Excellency, Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, Presidency officials, Senators, top Military brass, directors of Oil majors, stakeholders of good will to the Benin people. Others included Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Obi of Onitsha, representatives of monarchs from Zulu King in South Africa, Kabaka from Buganda kingdom, the Queen of England, Sweden, Denmark and other notable ambassadors of other countries.he epoch making event did not only mark a water shed in the history of Benin kingdom, it was indeed a memorable ceremony celebrated with unconcealed excitement that transcend the ordinary.
To round off what was a historical event, The Oba, in a passionate speech he read five years ago, stated that “Today marks the end of activities described by customs and tradition for my ascension to the throne of this ancient kingdom. I accept with faith and humility the destiny which ordained that henceforth I shall be embodiment and the expression of culture and aspiration and history of our people. As the principal actor in the event of several months that led to this position, I have had the unique opportunity to reflect on the values and essence of our historical continuum. What royalty represents to our people are justice, peace and unity.
“These ideals shall be reawakened and be sustained in the dispensation that will soon unfold. The time-tested, rancour – free succession process bequeathed to us in our customs and tradition is a great tribute to the far-sightedness and wisdom of our fore-fathers and our people. This collective achievement is a veritable proof of our ability to manage our own affairs. It makes us very proud of our heritage.
“Our responsibility for us now is daunting, but am confident that with the blessing of God Almighty the love and support of my family, my people, Nigerians in general and my friends in the international community, we shall succeed in this mission of building upon the legacies of our father.”
