From Beifoh Osewele and Tony Osauzo, Benin
The 12-day coronation activities of new Oba for Benin Kingdom which commenced on October 8, climaxed yesterday with the coronation of Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa, the Edaiken N’Uselu as the 40th Oba of Benin.
Born October 20, 1953, the new Oba, who was coronated and presented with Staff of Office by Governor Adams Oshiomhole on his birthday, yesterday, is to bear the name Oba Ewuare II.
The Crown Prince began his final journey to ascend his ancestors throne from Usama Palace where he was formally crowned in the early hours yesterday morning.
He later passed on foot, escorted by a large crowd through the Omi Oteghele wooden at Isekhere, from where he arrived Urho Okpota, venue of the coronation at 3.25 pm.
Shortly after, the Usama chiefs (Kingmakers), led by Chief Edionwe, the Oliha of Benin, performed the rituals of crowning the new Oba.
The new Oba of Benin Kingdom, Oba Ewuare II, in his speech said: “I accept with faith and humility the destiny which ordained that, henceforth, I shall be the embodiment and expression of the culture, aspirations and history of our people.”
He said having reflected on the values and essence of Benin historical continuum, he observed that royalty represents justice, peace and unity for the Benin people, promising to re-awaken the ideals during his reign.
According to the Oba, the time-tested, rancour-free succession process bequeathed by the Benin customs and tradition, was a great tribute to fore-sightedness and wisdom of their forefathers and the Benin people. He added that the collective achievement is a veritable proof of the Benins to manage their own affairs and makes them proud of their heritage.
Oba Ewuare II paid tributes to his father and mother and, particularly, bestowed on her mother, posthumously, the title of Iyoba (Queen Mother), saying circumstances and hands of fate did not allow her enjoy the status of a Queen in her life time.
The Oba stirred controversy when he traced the origin of Obaship in Benin, which he said started with Oronmiyan, making his father the 39th Oba of Benin.
“I, therefore, stand before you today as the 40th Oba of Benin, a direct descendant of Oronmiyan, the son of Oduduwa whom the Benin people of that era knew as Ekaladerhan, their self-exiled prince who later became ruler in Ile-Ife. The Benin people recognise Oduduwa and his origin, but it is not our place to force this recognition on others outside our boundaries. The history of the world is a shared one and there will certainly be unexpected connections in the future. This is, thus, a time for unity and not divisiveness, a time for mutual respect, recognising that our wholeness as peoples is so much more than the sum of our parts,” he said.
The Oba, while promising to uphold and maintain the principle of neutrality and non-partisanship in political party activities, however, said he “will continue to pray for, and will always support the right kind of political leaders, who will safeguard the welfare of our people, provide for their basic needs, and who will accord due recognition to traditional institution.”
He promised to initiate a cultural renaissance that will focus on tourism promotion through arts and crafts.
“To drive this initiative, we have already established two Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs). The Benin Royal Dynasty Trust will, in collaboration with Benin Traditional Council, establish a foundry or two in Igun Eronmwon Quarters to enhance the productivity of bronze casters .
Guild of Benin Royal Academy for Performing Arts will trian youths and develop their talents. They will reach out to international choreographers in different parts of the world for the purpose of transforming Benin Dance Drama into an international brand,” he said.
Oba Ewuare II called on government to address poverty and crime at the grassroots, which he blamed on unemployment. However, he, promised to partner with government to attract resources for the establishment of agro-based industries across his domain.
He also called on the governments at all levels to ensure transformation of Gelegele into an export processing zone for agro-allied industries.
Earlier in his speech, governor Oshiomhole, who described the coronation event as a celebration of Benin and Edo State culture, noted that new Oba has what it takes to fit into the big shoes left behind by his father
Dignitaries from all walks of life drawn from within the country and beyond attended the coronation. During the ceremony, the bustling Ring Road was shut down.
President Muhammadu Buhari represented by his deputy, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo led the pack which included traditional rulers, members of the diplomatic community, state governors, lawmakers, religious leaders, among others. The All Progressives Congress (APC), National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Edo State governor-elect; Mr Godwin Obaseki and governors of Oyo, Osun, Gombe were in attendance. Also present was business mogul, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chief Tom Ikimim and ministers, among others.
From the traditional institution came the Sultan of Sokoto, Ooni of Ife, Emir of Kano, Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, Olu of Warri, Obi of Onitsha, King Zulu of South Africa, Kabaka of Bugunda, and so on.
Among diplomats that attended the coronation were those of Great Britain, Namibia, Senegal, Italy, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Tanzania, Sao Tome, South Sudan, Argentina, Botswana, Angola and Albania.