Unlike some kingdoms, where a successor to the throne are done through selection or election, the Benin kingdom practiced primogeniture.
Late Oba Erediauwa will be succeeded by his son, Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa, the Edaiken N’ Uselu. Prince Eheneden served as an Ambassador to several countries until he was recalled back home.
After performing various rites, he was formally installed as the Edaiken N’ Uselu in March and has since relocated to a temporary abode at Uselu.
Prince Erediauwa is now expected to begin the coronation rites, which may last more than 10 days.
On his way back to Benin to ascend the throne, he would be escorted by his Uselu kindred to Benin City, and on his way, he would stop at an historical palm tree named “Udin ama-mieson aimiuwa” (the palm tree first climbed by Oba Ewaure in the 15th century)
The Edaiken will enter Benin City through Iguisi, now Lagos Street, and proceed to Eko-Ohae (bachelors’ camp) where he will stay for three days. From there, the Edaiken will move to Usama, venue of the traditional coronation rites. Usama was the first palace where Prince Orominyan lived until Oba Ewedo moved the palace to the present site in the 13th century.