Sam Igbe, the Iyase (Prime Minister) of Benin Kingdom on Friday officially announced the passing on to glory of Benin monarch, Omo’ N’ Oba Erediauwa.
BusinessDay reports that the Iyase broke the traditional “native white chalk” to officially announce the passage of the Benin monarch in the midst of Enigie, palace chiefs, children, relatives of the late monarch, natives and subjects of the kingdom within the seven local government councils that make up the kingdom.
He also ordered the closure of all markets within the kingdom, all sons of the kingdom to shave their head while all chiefs are to wear a single bead round their neck as against the usual multiple beads.
A model which puts into consideration religion and economic conditions in the state estimates that barbers could make as much as N3.44 million based on reactions to the announcement.
In a statement made available to newsmen, Iyase said Oba Erediauwa of Benin Kingdom, the prince of peace has reunited with his ancestors.
The statement read, “as announced today by the Iyase of Benin Kingdom, Osorhue Bunrun. Oba Erediauwa of Benin Kingdom, the prince of peace, Ebo, Ayemwirhe, Emini Mini Mini, has reunited with his ancestors. May he find prefect peace with God. Amen”.
Iyase added that the monarch has been in the savannah bush since but has now joined his ancestors.
Recall that the Benin Traditional Council had March 16, 2015 announced that the Oba was indisposed.
The statement signed by Frank Irabor, Secretary, Benin Traditional Council said the “Leopard is ill in the Savannah bush”.
According to the statement, It is hereby announced for the information of the general public that in the palace parlance, “Uhunmwun ve Ekpen vb’ Ato”, meaning “the Leopard is ill in the Savannah bush”.
“The explanation is that Omo N’Oba N’Edo,Uku Akpolokpolo,Erediauwa,CFR,Oba of Benin is indisposed.
“Public engagements including courtesy visits, hearing of complaints from individuals, families and communities, and in particulars, complaints over inheritance and land disputes are therefore suspended until further notice.
“All palace chiefs and functionaries are to note that their routine traditional duties continue as usual”, it stated.
However, the state governor, Adams Oshiomhole condolence with the palace, children of the oba and the entire Benin kingdom on the passage of the monarch.
Edo Government Reacts
Our hearts are heavy, laden with pains and grief, at the announcement of the passing on to glory of Omo n’Oba n’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa of Benin, our highly revered Oba, a distinguished Edo numero uno, an accomplished Nigerian, a seasoned bureaucrat, quintessential unifier, unique personage and exemplary Omo N’Oba, whose reign brought distinction, immense class, finesse and integrity to traditional institution in Edo state and the country at large.
His carriage comes with an élan that was peculiar with the reverence of royalty. His uncommon courage was symbolic of the can-do spirit of the Edo mind. His unity of purpose was not in doubt even as he used his revered position to promote constructive engagement amongst all shades of opinion and culture in Edo state.
As a thorough-bred bureaucrat, rising to the pinnacle of his career as a Federal Permanent Secretary, he understood the dynamics and intricacies of governance. He was the alternative voice to the many voiceless in our society, calling government attention to issues of development and transparent governance, without minding whose ox is gored. He was brave, fearless, punchy and instructive in his verbal and written messages.
To us at the Edo state Government, he was our strongest supporter; both in his uncommon faith in our ability and his readiness to offer uncommon advice to sharpen public discourse in our shared commitment to transform Edo state.
It gladdens our heart, therefore, that our revered Oba was alive to witness the positive transformation of Edo state under his reign, and for standing with us through thick and thin in the course of making the Edo economy a treasure to behold. Being part of that eloquent history of transformation before his reunion with his ancestors gives us further reassurance that he will occupy a special pride of place in the hereafter.
We are enveloped with a deep sense of nostalgia that our great Oba, a great-grandfather, grandfather, father, uncle and iconoclastic royal father of exemplary carriage and conduct, who sustained the dignity of the average Edo mind, has joined his ancestors.
We are, however, encouraged by the fact that another great son of the Great Benin Kingdom, His Royal Highness, Edaiken N’Uselu, Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa, who is already showing manifest quintessential attributes of his great father, will step into his father’s big shoes.
Edo people will miss our iconoclastic royal father of the great Benin Kingdom. Nigerians and Nigeria will miss this great exemplar of a Royal Father, an Oba of distinction and integrity. Adieu until we meet to part no more.
