Prince Eheneden Erediauwa Crowned 39th Oba Of Benin, Now Oba Ewaure Ii

SAN FRANCISCO, October 20, (THEWILL) – Crown Prince of Benin Kingdom, Prince Eheneden Erediauwa has been crowned the 39th Oba of Benin Kingdom and will be addressed as Oba Ewaure II.

Prince Erediauwa was crowned at about 2am on Thursday by the Usama N' Ihiron, also known as the Edion led by Chief Oliha, at a private ceremony inside the Usama Palace, a temporary building erected for the coronation ceremony.

Chief Oliha was supported by other powerful rulers in the kingdom, including the Edion, Edohen, Ezomo, Ero, Eholo N' Ire, Oloton and Edaiken.

Among those present were Chief Omohor of Benin Kingdom, bearer of the ancient sword carried by the Oba, the Ikpakohen group (royal drummers) from Ikpema responsible for beating the royal drum, Ekassa dance group, Isienmwenro guild amongst others.

The Oba disclosed his new name shortly after he was presented with the Staff of Office by Governor Adams Oshiomhole, at about 4:05pm , hours after he was crowned.

His full title is: Omo N'Oba N'Edo Uku' Akpolokpolo Ewuare 11.

The Oba was dressed in his royal regalia, comprising a beaded robe and the beaded crown and covered his mouth with a white handkerchief.

The presentation of the staff of office ceremony was attended by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who shares the same ancestral Oranmiyan link with Ewuare, and a number of traditional rulers.

Oshiomhole in his speech praised the late Oba Erediauwa for supporting his administration for the development of the state declaring that his successor, Godwin Obaseki, would surpass any relationship he cultivated with the traditional institutions in the state.

The new Oba, with three wives, was born on October 20, 1953 and was crowned on his birthday.

He unveiled plans to harness the potential of Benin culture for tourism and job creation and called for the inclusion of Edo language in school curriculum in his speech after receiving the staff of office.

THEWILL recalls that the Edo state government declared Thursday as public holiday for the coronation while markets and shops were closed as directed by the government to mark the grand finale of coronation rituals.

Story by Oputah David