Benin City was agog on Thursday as Prince Eheneden Erediauwa was crowned the 40th Oba of Benin with the title Oba Ewuare II.
The state government declared the day public holiday to honour the new Oba.
All major roads leading to the city centre were blocked as only dignitaries were allowed to pas through to the Urhokpota hall where the coronation formalities were done.
Thousands of persons were in 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 first public presentation of Oba Ewuare II event though the name was not made public at that time.
The heavy downpour in the night did not deter them as they waited till 2:30pm when the Oba was brought out to the public.
It took a hectic time for security personnel including traditional security such as the Isiemwenro to clear the road for the Oba to pass.
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 in the street because they might not witnesses the coronation of the next Oba.
Families who had role to perform such as the Isekheres, Adoguns, Ogbelaka were on ground to support the family head.
Chief Omoruyi Isekhere who took the Oba across the Rive Omi said it was a good thing for him to perform the functions of his forefathers.
He displayed the paddle he would use symbolically to take the Oba across the river.
Family members of Chief Adogun Samson whose role is to fight against any enemies of the Oba held sticks as weapons with which to fight.
They formed a barricade and sang war songs.
The Ova family from Ovia North East who beat the Ikpekiti drum were on ground to beat the drum.
A family member said they started beating the drum right from when Oba Ewuare II went to Use to play the game of choosing a name and it enables the Oba ascend the throne.
Chief Omohor of Benin Kingdom is the carrier of the ancient sword of the Oba. He stood and trekked alongside the Oba to Urhokpota.
The head of the Royal drummers, Chief Nosakhare Omuemu, said they live at Ikpema street and that they performed for the Oba at important ceremonies.
The Ikpakohen Group comprising of the Osaigbovo family.