The Oba of Benin, Omo n’Oba Erediauwa Akpolokpolo I, is dead.
The
Edo State Government has issued the statement below announcing the death of the
Oba of Benin.
The statement did not say when and how the monarch died.
ead full statement below.
“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.
“Oba gha to kpere, ise.”
Adams Oshiomhole, mni, CON
Governor
