From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Edo State Government has approved the appointment of Edaiken N’Uselu, Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa as the Oba of Benin, with effect from April 29, 2016.
In a May 24 letter, signed by the Secretary to State Government, Prof Julius Omozuanvbo Ihonvbere, titled: “Appointment of His Royal Highness Edaiken N’Uselu, Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa as the Oba of Benin” the state government said: “It is hereby notified for general information that, in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 19 (1) of the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law, 1979 (as amended) and, by virtue of all other laws enabling it in that behalf, the Executive Council of the Edo State Government of Nigeria has approved the appointment of His Royal Highness Edaiken N’Uselu, Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa as the Oba of Benin, with effect from 29th day of April, 2016.”
Meanwhile, the Oba-designate has said because of the complex palace system, many people do not understand the customs and cultural practices of Benin.
“Many people don’t understand our cultural practices, our customs. It is only those practitioners that are involved that can say to some extent they understand their own part.
“Even those that are inside, within the palace institution, they understand their own part, others don’t understand their own part. So, it is a division of labour. It is only the oba that understands across board that understands everything because he relates with all the palace societies, which are like departments. Our palace system is complex,” he said.
The new Oba said this when members of the Edo council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), led by their Chairman, Sir Roland Osakwe paid him a condolence visit.
He called for media support for the funeral rites of the late Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Erediauwa.
He commended the way the media had reported activities in the kingdom since the demise of the monarch, saying the sanctity of Benin customs and traditions had been maintained.
The Edaiken N’Uselu assured that the palace would sustain the good relationship the late monarch had with the council.
“I also want to particularly thank members of the NUJ, a great number of journalists, reputable journalists that have shown immense restraint, that have shown a lot of respect and honour for our tradition and customs. We have observed your reporting, we have observed in your newspapers and I believe by and large, I have seen that with the exception of recalcitrant ones, which you will always have, you will always have Judas in everything, I believe by and large that we have been well pleased with members of the Fourth Estate of the realm,” he said.
