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Tag: Oba Ewuare II

  • Oba of Benin installs new chiefs

    Oba of Benin installs new chiefs

    The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has honoured several notable citizens with chieftaincy titles to encourage continued dedication and service to the community.

    This is contained in a statement on Sunday by Osaigbovo Iguobaro, the Chief Press Secretary to the Oba of Benin.

    The gesture is aimed at strengthening Benin traditional governance through discipline, commitment, and unwavering service to the throne and community.

    Among the honourees, Chief Godwin Emovon Ihama received the title of Obariyekagbon of Benin for his contributions to society and commitment to Benin culture.

    Chief Kenneth Osadebamwen Iduriase was honoured with the title of Obazuhunwa of Benin. Chief Osayawe Friday Odia became the new Eriyo of Benin.

    Other recipients include Chief Nosakhare Osadiaye, now Uheloro of Benin, and Chief Charles Agbonavbare Asemota, who received the Osarodion of Benin title.

    Chief Patrick Okao, named Oka’ayagbona of Benin, was praised for his outstanding service. Chief John Aiyamenkhue is now the Obayangbon of Benin.

    In the latest confirmations, Osaigbovo Osamwonyi was affirmed as the Akenuwa of Benin, while Chief Stephen Amadin was named the Obamarhiaye of Benin.

    Chief Uyi Okungbowa received the title of Ogua of Benin. These ceremonies took place at Ugha Ozolua in Oba Palace, Benin.

    Akenuwa displayed deep passion for Benin heritage. His vibrant presence during the rite captivated many and reflected his commitment to traditional values.

    He drew admiration from the audience and stood confidently before Oba Ewuare, whose goodwill was conveyed through senior chiefs in official proclamations.

    Newly titled chiefs who performed the Ekpomwen-abor thanksgiving ritual expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Oba in a dignified and culturally rich manner.

    The performance reflected both emotional depth and social awareness, blending tradition with personal expression in a striking yet respectful manner.

    Traditional Emehe and Osikhian groups rendered sacred songs, while friends, family, and well-wishers supported the chiefs with heartfelt presentations and praise.

    Chief Osaro Idah, the Obazelu of Benin, spoke about the importance of the ceremony and its cultural value for the Benin Kingdom.

    Chief Osayawe Odia, the Eriyo of Benin, thanked Almighty God, Oba Ewuare, and the revered ancestors for the honour bestowed upon him.

    He pledged to uphold and preserve Benin customs and traditions with dedication, integrity, and respect for the ancestral heritage.

  • Oba of Benin flays ex-Minister for sectional representation

    Oba of Benin flays ex-Minister for sectional representation

    The Oba of Benin,  Oba Ewuare II, has expressed “total disappointment“ over what he described as the “lopsided representation“ by the immediate past Minister of Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba.

    In a statement in Benin by Mr Iguobaro Osaigbovo, the Chief Press Secretary to the Oba, the king noted that while in office the ex-minister failed to extend ministerial benefits to Edo South and Edo Central Senatorial Districts.

    According to the statement, Oba Ewuare expressed the disappointment while responding to the minister who was on a thank-you -visit to palace for the role it played in his appointment as a minister by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Oba Ewuare noted that having benefited from a goodwill that led to his appointment, Agba should have reciprocated the kind gesture to the entire three senatorial zones of the state, rather than engaged in “politics of disintegration“.

    Oba Ewuare advised  all Edo indigenes to use their good offices to attract development to the state and to better the lots of the people.

    He said the erstwhile Minister of Budget and Planning performed “below expectation“.

  • Oba of Benin pardons rebellious Enigie

    Oba of Benin pardons rebellious Enigie

    Some rebellious Enigie (Dukes) have voluntarily returned and pledged their allegiance to the great Benin throne.

    A statement by Mr Iguobaro Osaigbovo, Chief Press Secretary to Oba to Benin, Oba Ewuare II, on Sunday, disclosed the pledge followed an alleged dramatic and failed coup to balkanize Benin Kingdom.

    He recalls that the Dukes claimed to have been misled in signing the purported letter in November, 2022, requesting the Edo State government to create a parallel Benin Traditional Rulers Council (BTC) for the seven Benin-speaking Local Government Areas, which make up Edo South Senatorial district.

    In line with his fatherly disposition, Ewuare II has accepted the apology of the Dukes and extended a hand of fellowship to them in the distribution of foodstuffs.

    In an interview with newsmen, HRH Sylvester Ogiesoba, the Enogie of Ogua village, and HRH Imagbenikaro Ekhosuehi, the Enogie of Oka N’ Izevbihen, both in Ikpoba-Okha local government area of the state, thanked Oba Ewuare II for the gesture.

    Also speaking, HRH Orobosa Agbongiazowe, the Enogie of Isievbe village, and HRH Usuanlele Iyengumena, the Enogie of Uma village, both in Uhunmwode Local government Area of Edo State, appreciated the Oba for the foodstuffs and prayed God and the ancestors to bless him.

    Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Enogie of Ehor village, HRH Ehigiamusoe Igiehon, his counterpart in Ihovbo village, both in Uhunmwode local government area, thanked the Oba of Benin for his kind gesture.

    Among others who also benefited from Oba’s kind gesture were the Priests of deities of various categories, including, Ohen-Awan of Ivbiotor village, Mr Egharevba Igbinehi; Ohen of Ikhuen-Obo, Mr Ekpen Aighobahi,  and Ohen Ovia of Unuamen N’ Igbinesigie, as well as Ohen Iye-Ewuare, Asenogua N’ Ohan-Obamumwen in Amufi village.

  • Oba of Benin suspends Duke over alleged plot to revolt

    Oba of Benin suspends Duke over alleged plot to revolt

    The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, on Sunday endorsed the suspension of Prof. Gregory Akenzua, as the Enogie (Duke) of Evbuobanosa Dukedom in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo.

    This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Chief Press Secretary to Oba Ewuare 11.

    According to the statement, the Palace suspended Akenzua as Enogie over allegations of leading rebellion against the Benin throne.

    The statement said  “the Enogie’s suspension arose from several complaints and protests against him by elders across the six communities in Evbuobanosa Dukedom.

    “These comprised Evbuobanosa, Abudu, Igue-Ohenza, Idu-dolor, Iru and Evbuohen.”

    It said the palace endorsed the communities’ protest letter for the Enogie’s suspension following his refusal to heed fellow Enigies’s  call  to apologise to the Royal Father.

    The statement said “the elders indicted Prof. Akenzua for colluding with the suspended Enogie of Egbaen-Siluko Dukedom, Edomwonyi Iduozee Ogiegbaen of misconduct, failure to perform his duties and allegation of attempted ploy to organise a revolt against the Benin throne.”

    It said that Prof. Akenzua allegedly led delegation of Enigie to Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo in  November 2022.

    According to the statement,  the delegation went to see the governor requesting the government to constitute a parallel Benin Traditional Council (BTC) for seven Local government Areas in Edo South Senatorial district, with outright disrespect and disregard to  the Palace, thereby fuelling agitations to Balkanize Benin Kingdom.

    “Addressing the elders from the communities in his palace at the weekend, Oba Ewuare II highlighted the trust deficit among the Enogie’s fold that stirred emotions that transcend logic.

    “I want everyone to hear this that some Dukes the Palace sent to represent the the throne are behaving funny.

    “Why can’t we call or invite them to answer the complaints? They have also resolved never to retrace their steps from the path of perfidy”, Oba Ewuare II said.

    “Elders you have all heard all that have been said. Look after the area. Do not fight. Don’t allow anyone to fight or quarrel or entertain any form of disagreement or division among you.”

    Earlier, spokespersons from the various communities, conveyed their regrets to Oba’s palace and appealed to Oba Ewuare to strip Prof. Akenzua of traditional duties and insubordination.

  • Oba of Benin shuts down city with royal road walk

    Oba of Benin shuts down city with royal road walk

    The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II New year Day solidarity walk shut down the city on Sunday as fun seekers were seen in snaking queues to catch a glimpse of the king.

    The Sunday afternoon walk to the Palace started after the Thanksgiving Service at the Holy Aruosa Cathedral (Edo National Church of God) on Akpakpava street to climax the annual ‘Igue festival’.

    The traditional ruler staged a similar royal road walk during his 6th year Coronation Anniversary Thanksgiving in the church on Oct. 23, 2022.

    Oba Ewuare II was accompanied by members of the Benin Royal family, Chiefs, Dukes (Enigie), Benin residents, worshippers in the church and Palace functionaries during the procession.

    The Royal movement went through the Oba Ovonramwen Square where fun seekers at the National Museum and traders in the locality trooped out to pay homage to the king.

    Adjoining streets, linking the King Square, were temporarily locked down during the procession by the Oba, who doubles as the spiritual leader of the Church, amidst cultural dance, cheers and songs of oration eulogising him.

    During the Church Service, Oba Ewuare II, with members of the Royal family and Oloi (Queens), gave thanks to God and the ancestors.

    In a sermon titled, ‘Iwero’ (Greedy people), the presiding Priest of Holy Aruosa Cathedral, Ohen-Osa Edebiri Igbinoghodua, cautioned agitators for secession.

    He said the people, including some Dukes (Enigie) involved in “outrageous activities” in Benin Kingdom, must retrace their steps in order not to incur the wrath of God and ancestors.

    Igbinoghodua also advised groups allegedly involved in conspiracy to administer certain areas in the Benin Kingdom on behalf of the Oba, not to divide Benin Kingdom.

  • Stolen artifacts: Oba of Benin disowns impostors

    Stolen artifacts: Oba of Benin disowns impostors

    The Oba Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has disowned two groups which he described as “impostors“ fronting for the return of artifacts which the British looted from the palace in 1897.

    This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), Mr Frank Irabor, and the Secretary, Oba Ewuare II Foundation, Mr Dennis Osaretin on Monday in Benin and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    The statement reads in part: “The individuals and persons who parade themselves as official representatives of the “Legacy Restoration Trust“ and “Legal Restoration Trust“ were neither known nor authorized by the Oba of Benin.”

    The statement affirmed the Oba of Benin as the original owner of the looted artifacts and the custodian of Benin customs and tradition.

    It cautioned that anyone caught engaging in such unwholesome activities would be treated as a fraudster and perceived as an enemy working against the interest of the Benin Kingdom and the Benin people.

    The statement particularly warned one Enotie Paul Ogbebor, his agents and privies to stop their unsolicited activities.

    The statement entitled: “The renewed call for the return of looted Benin artifacts“ noted that the Oba of Benin or his duly authorized representatives or body corporate could interact or have dealings with any foreign donors or missions or any other international institutions globally in respect of the looted Benin artifacts.

    “For avoidance of doubts, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin remains the legitimate custodian of all insignia, symbols and such other artifacts depicting the rich cultural heritage of the Benin people”.

    The statement emphasised that “the Oba of Benin, in conjunction with the Benin Traditional Council, has set up a very robust framework and body corporate to midwife and coordinate all efforts aimed at retrieving the looted and stolen artifacts from all over the world.

    It added that and the only recognised legal entities for this remained the Oba Ewuare II Foundation and the Benin Traditional Council.

  • Gov. Obaseki praises Oba of Benin for his role in Edo election

    Gov. Obaseki praises Oba of Benin for his role in Edo election

    Newly re-elected Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has expressed thanks to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II for his fatherly role in the just concluded governorship election that held in the State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Obaseki thanked the Oba as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday presented certificates of return (COR) to him and his Deputy, Mr Philip Shaibu.

    The Edo Governorship Election Returning Officer, Prof. Akpofure Rim-Ruke, had on Sunday declared Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) winner of the governorship election in the state.

    Rim-Rukeh had declared Obaseki winner after polling 307,955 votes to defeat his closest opponent Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who garnered 223,619 votes and 12 other candidates.

    The INEC National Commissioner in charge of Edo, Bayelsa and Rivers, Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu presented the certificates of return to both the Governor and his Deputy at a ceremony that took place at the collation centre at the State headquarters of INEC in Benin.

    Agbamuche-Mbu said that the presentation of the CORs was a statutory obligation of the Commission which must be carried out within seven days after its declaration of a winner.

    She said, “This occasion is only made possible because of the successful conduct of the governorship election last Saturday, Sept. 19.

    “INEC, I believe, has played its humble part but we have always maintained that a successfully conducted election is a collective effort, and so it has proven to be,” she said.

    In his acceptance speech, Obaseki thanked God and Edo people for a peaceful election, adding that history had been made in the state.

    Obaseki said INEC’s national Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, should receive most of the accolades for his steadfastness and ability to withstand pressure, adding that using his intellect in introducing technology for the election should be hailed by all.

    “Despite all the criticisms, the ability of INEC to view results as the counting is taking place in polling units is one innovation we will implore INEC to maintain and improve on.

    “Because it has introduced different element of transparency in the way we conduct election in Nigeria

    “I am using this opportunity to extend a hand of fellowship to my brother, Osagie Ize-iyamu, and other colleagues in the APC to work with us to move Edo forward.

    “On a specific note, I want to use this occasion to call on former National chairman of the APC Adams Oshiomhole that the fight is over, to come and join in building the house where he was part of laying the foundation.

    “We have no malice; the only thing we disagreed on is on the approach in moving Edo forward.’’

    Obaseki, who also commended President Muhammadu Buhari, said the president would be remembered as the father of democracy in Nigeria.

    “This is because he had a choice to ensure and insist that his party wins in the state but he rose above partisan politics, and insisted the right be done,” he said.

    According to him, I want to finally thank his royal majesty, Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, for his fatherly role, for the prayers for peace, and for being that symbol we all look up to.

    Earlier in his address, the state Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC, Mr Johnson Alalibo, said the ceremony was just another fulfilment of the provisions of the law.

    “My joy knows no bound as I am standing here to present this welcome address, having conducted an election without any loss of life,” he said.

    Alalibo commended the candidates, security personnel and the entire people of Edo for their display of professionalism and maturity during the election.

    According to him, this election has already been adjudged as one of the best and it shall so remain in the annals of our history.

  • BREAKING: Oba Of Benin welcomes first Prince as monarch

    BREAKING: Oba Of Benin welcomes first Prince as monarch

    The Benin Traditional Council has announced the birth of a new prince of the kingdom to Oba Ewuare ll, the Oba of Benin.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Iyase of Benin Kingdom (Prime Minister), Chief Sam Igbe made the announcement on Monday.

    “By the grace of the Almighty God and the benevolence of our ancestors, the Benin Traditional Council on behalf of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare ll, Oba of Benin and the royal palace of Benin Kingdom, joyfully wish to announce that Her Royal Highness, Queen Iyayota of Benin Kingdom been has delivered of a bouncing baby boy.

    “The infant Prince and his mother are in excellent health and good spirits,” the Prime Minister of the Benin Kingdom told newsmen.

    TNG learnt the new prince was delivered by one of the Oba’s Queens, Her Royal Highness, Queen Iyayota of Benin Kingdom.

    The Benin Traditional Council congratulated the Monarch and the amicable Queen for the arrival of the Prince.

    “It is our prayers that the Prince will grow in good health, excellent and grace and that he shall be blessed immeasurably by the Almighty God and, the great Royal ancestors with the wisdom, kindness and generosity, knowledge and courage of his illustrious father,” Igbe said.

  • Buhari, Gowon, Jonathan charge traditional rulers on Nigeria’s unity

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday in Benin called on traditional rulers across the country to continue to build bridges of unity and oneness to promote national development.
    Buhari made the call at the official launch of the Book Entitled “The Benin Monarchy, an Anthology of Benin History” held in Benin City on Saturday in commemoration of the 2nd coronation anniversary of the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II.
    Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd.) also commended the Benin monarchy for the remarkable effort to tell the history of the Benin Kingdom to avoid distortion that may arise from allowing others to seize the narrative.
    In his remark, Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki assured on plans to build the Benin Royal Museum to preserve Benin heritage and retrieve stolen artefacts.
    President Buhari, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha commended the good relationship that exists between the Sultanate and the Benin Kingdom, saying it should cut across the country.
    He said that traditional institutions must continue to stay abreast with the digital changes in the world and should not allow the changes affect the preservation of customs, languages and traditions of the people.
    Buhari congratulated the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II and the council of chiefs for preserving the Benin culture, saying that the Benin kingdom is a role model to others.
    He further called on traditional rulers across the country to join the federal government in preaching against hate speech and resist money politics as the 2019 elections draw near.
    The Chairman of the occasion, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, commended the outstanding features of the Benin Monarchy, and described the book as a masterpiece that “tells African history by Africans”
    “One of the tragedies of Africa is that our story has always been told by others from their own perspectives and with their own purpose.
    “The result is that much of the narratives of our continent have been a distortion. Against this background, we appreciate the impact of this singular effort of telling the history of Benin Kingdom,” he said.
    Former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan said the Benin Kingdom has always made the country proud via its rich history and well-structured governance system.
    Jonathan commended the Oba of Benin for his resourcefulness and protection of the Benin people.
    In his remark, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, assured that the Benin Royal Museum would be built and completed before the end of 2021.
    He said he made the decision recently at a meeting of The Benin Dialogue Group which is made up of all prominent museums in Europe.
    “We also got the commitment of the group to return many of the works that were taken from the palace during the expedition in 1897,” the governor said.
    In his address, His Royal Majesty Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpolo kpolo, Oba Ewuare II, commended all who have supported him since his ascension to the throne, saying his mandate is to prioritise the welfare of Edo people.
    He said the 7-kg book being launched was a compendium of the great history of a great people and would also be showcased in London, the United States of America, amongst other countries.
    He said the Oba Ewuare II satellite Town which is also being built in commemoration of his 2nd coronation anniversary was modelled to booster youth employment, create jobs in the agro-allied industry as well as cater for the general welfare of Edo people.
    Dignitaries at the event included the Sultan of Sokoto, former governors of Edo State, Chief John Odigie Oyegun and Adams Oshiomhole, as well as the Vice Chancellor of University of Benin, Prof Faraday Orumwense amongst others.
     

  • Edo Govt finalizes plans for Oba of Benin 2nd coronation anniversary

    Edo Govt finalizes plans for Oba of Benin 2nd coronation anniversary

    Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has said preparations, especially those pertaining to security, are being finalized for the 2nd coronation anniversary of Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolo kpolo, Oba Ewuare II.
    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports Governor Obaseki made this known after meeting with heads of security agencies in the state, including the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Johnson Kokumo, and Head of the Department of State Security (DSS) in the state.
    He assured that adequate security measures have been set up in preparation for the 2nd coronation anniversary of the Benin Monarch, while noting that a combined team of security operatives will be deployed to ensure adequate security for the ceremony.
    TNG gathers that the security meeting followed the receipt of intelligence on plans by those who do not mean well for the state to disrupt the peace and scale up nefarious activities with the ceremony, and as the year comes to an end.
    The Governor said the state government will not relent in its effort to flush out criminal elements from the state, assuring that security has been beefed up with relevant agencies to ensure the safety of life and property in the state.
    “I have met with the Commissioner of Police and the DSS boss over the increased spate of cult activities in the state and we are deploying resources to ensure that those fuelling the crimes are brought to book.
    “We are committed to a safe Edo State and will not tolerate any criminality. I am very much committed to stemming the increased criminality perpetuated by cult groups and gangs in the state.
    “As a state that is forward-looking and desirous to attract foreign investment, I want to reiterate that we have exited the days when cult activities held sway in society. We have beefed up measures to check the reported cases. The new security architecture is taking shape to ensure that the people are safe,” Obaseki said.
    Oba Ewuare II, born October 20, 1953, was crowned the Oba of Benin on 20 October 2016. He is the 40th, and not the 39th Oba, a title created for the Head of State (Emperor) of the Benin Empire at some time between 1180 and 1300.
    Meanwhile, the Benin Traditional Council has announced the launch of a book on the history of Benin kingdom for October 20, 2018.