Benin City was agog yesterday for the Oba’s coronation.
The state government declared the day a public holiday to honour the new Oba.
All major roads leading to the city centre were blocked. Only dignitaries were allowed to pass through to the Urhokpota hall where the coronation formalities were done.
Thousands of persons were on the streets to witness the event which was last done in 1979.
At the Usama Palace, it was brisk business for petty traders as the crowds bought everything available for sale.
Many people in the crowd slept at the Usama Palace to witness the coronation ceremony and the first public presentation of Oba Ewuare II.
It took a hectic time for security personnel including traditional security such as the Isiemwenro to clear the road for the Oba to pass through.
At the various shrines where the Oba visited to perform some rites and pay homage, people sat on the road to wait for him
From Usama Palace through Isekhere to Urhokpota, Oba Ewuare move majestically through the crowd.
Many said they were on the streets because they might not witness the coronation of the next Oba.
Families who had role to perform such as the Isekheres, Adoguns, Ogbelaka supported the family head.
Among the dignitaries were the Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar and the Emir of Kano Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi 1. The business community was led by Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
Also on the government delegation was the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaij Lai Mohammed and the Minister of State for Health, Dr Osagie Eranire.