Congratulations, Oba of Benin

The coronation of the Crown Prince of Benin, Ambassador Eheneden Erediauwa, last week as the new Oba of Benin is expected to usher in a new era of peace and development in Benin Kingdom, Edo State and beyond. The new Oba who is the 40th Oba of the Kingdom is to be known as Oba […]

The coronation of the Crown Prince of Benin, Ambassador Eheneden Erediauwa, last week as the new Oba of Benin is expected to usher in a new era of peace and development in Benin Kingdom, Edo State and beyond. The new Oba who is the 40th Oba of the Kingdom is to be known as Oba Ewuare II.
Ewuare II said the counting of the successor to the Kingdom should commence from the period of Oranmiyan who happened to be the first Oba of the Kingdom after the Ogiso dynasty.
He was given the Staff of Office by the Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole in a colourful ceremony attended by dignitaries such as the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari, led the presidential entourage.
Ministers, governors, members of the National Assembly and members of the diplomatic community graced the historic occasion.
Ewuare II succeeds his father Omo n’Oba n’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo who joined his ancestors at the age of 92 in February this year, after being on the throne for 36 years.
The new Oba, who was born in 1953, served in both public and private sectors, having worked in the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS).
He later worked in the oil palm and oil and gas sector, before going back to the public sector and he served as the Nigerian Ambassador to Sweden, Angola and Italy.
While we congratulate him on the ascension to the throne of his forefathers, we hope Ewuare II would bear in mind that the throne of the Oba of Benin is a great one. In fact, the Oba of Benin is one of the greatest traditional rulers in Nigeria, and, therefore, he should live up to expectations.
He also has big shoes to fill, coming on the heels of his father’s reign who was a man of peace. He should ensure peace in Benin and beyond.
He should not be partisan but rule wisely by being a father to all and embrace everybody. This will ensure peace and give a sense of belonging to everyone. After all, politicians come and go, but the monarchy is a constant institution in every society. Ewuare II said he would pay attention to all matters of customs and traditions, security and development of the people.
He promised to tackle unemployment and poverty in Benin Kingdom through the establishment of the Benin Royal Dynasty Trust and Benin Royal Academy for Performing Art.
However, there is the issue of criminality where cultists hold sway from time to time, we hope in tackling unemployment the youths that are prone to joining criminal gangs would find other meaningful and legal means of employment.
President Muhammadu Buhari whose speech was read by Professor Yemi Osinbajo said, “We are gratified that your meritorious service as ambassador to various nations and career work in the oil and gas stand you out in fulfilling the obligation of your ancestors.”
While presenting the staff of office to him,  Governor Oshiomhole said he had no doubt that Oba Ewuare II  would lead the people well, having being tutored  by his late father, Oba Erediawa, whom he described as an outstanding traditional ruler.
With these votes of confidence, it is an indication that he is thought of highly in his ability to be an Oba. It is our hope that he has a successful reign as the 40th Oba of Benin.