Oba of Benin: Grief, tributes

Kalu, Obiano, Fayose, Igbinedion, others mourn

EMINENT businessman and former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu, has described the late Oba of Benin, Omo n’Oba n’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Erediauwa, as a great icon whose death is a big loss to the nation.

He noted that the late paramount ruler contributed immensely to the socio-­political development of the country without bias.

Kalu, in a condolence message signed by his Special Adviser, Prince Kunle Oyewumi, said: “During his reign, Benin and its environs witnessed robust developments. The late monarch will be remembered for his humility and forthrightness. He was a detribilized elder statesman whose words of advice on national concerns will be greatly missed.” The former governor charged the Benin royal dynasty to uphold the legacies of the late monarch.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, in his condolence message said Oba Erediauwa was a worthy example of how to preserve the

culture and tradition of a peo-­

ple in the face of challenges posed by modern day living, adding, “Oba Erediauwa was a giant Iroko tree who stood tall and never allowed mundane things and even political harassment to sway him. His nearly four decades on the throne of the great Bini Kingdom witnessed unprecedented growth and development.”

Osun State governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola while commiserating with the people of Edo state over the transition of Oba Erediauwa noted that the departed monarch brought glamour to the throne and led a remarkable and eventful life during his long reign in Edo.

“During his life time, the revered monarch was an epitome of everything that is good. He was a top on the shelf monarch, a cultural ambassador and an advocate of good governance, Aregbesola said. Former governor of Edo State, in a condolence message on behalf of himself and family, Chief Igbinedion recalled the wonderful support he enjoyed from the monarch during his tenure as the governor of Edo State and noted in particular that the unprecedented peace, harmony, tranquility and development witnessed during his tenure were made possible by the late Oba whose wisdom in handling thorny issues surpassed human understanding Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State who said he received the news of the demise of the 38th Oba of Benin, described the late monarch as an epitome of royalty, who he said would be “long remembered and celebrated for his worthy service as the chief custodian of the traditions of the Binis and his invaluable contributions to the sustenance of the cultural heritage of his people within and outside Nigeria.

Similarly, the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano commiserated with the governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole on the passage of Oba Erediauwa, who he described as “the last of the titans” and further observed that while he lived, the late monarch stood out as a bridge builder whose influence spread across the country and beyond.