•Erediauwa epitomised Nigeria’s unity, says Okorocha
• Olugbu mourns oba •Edo APC aspirant condoles with monarch’s family
Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has said the late Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolor, Oba Erediauwa of Benin, was an icon.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Peter Okhiria, said: “Our attention has been drawn to the use of a word ‘iconoclastic’, instead of ‘iconic’, in a tribute by Governor Adams Oshiomhole to the Oba of Benin. It was a typographical error.
“We ask mischief makers to desist from trivialising the issue at this period of mourning of our great monarch, who has joined his ancestors.”
Also, Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha yesterday said the late monarch was an epitome of Nigeria’s unity and one of the few traditional rulers, who contributed greatly to the nation’s unity through his actions and utterances.
In a condolence message to Oshiomhole, the Imo governor said the nation would have wanted the monarch to live on and continue his patriotic roles.
In the message by his Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo, the governor said he received the news with shock.
He condoled with Oshiomhole and the Bini on the monarch’s death.
The message read: “No doubt, Oba Erediauwa lived an exemplary life as a traditional ruler and a great leader of his people, so much that his occasional views on national issues were always appreciated.
“The late oba of Benin was one of the few traditional rulers in the country, who contributed immensely to the unity of the nation through their actions and their utterances. The nation would have preferred that he lived to continue his patriotic role.
“It is regrettable the oba died at a time the country needed the patriotic role of people like him to remain united and when his experience would have been most needed.”
Okorocha prayed for the repose of the monarch’s soul and the fortitude for Oshiomhole and those Oba Erediauwa left behind to bear the loss.
Also, the Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom in Ondo State, Oba Frederick Obateru Akinruntan, has said the passing on of Oba Erediauwa was a great loss to the Bini and Nigerians.
Oba Akinruntan, who described the monarch as a traditional and cultural hero, said he was one of the monarchs, who truly projected the tradition and culture of his people undiluted.
Oba Erediauwa, the Ondo State monarch said, would be remembered as one of the finest and most brilliant traditional rulers in the country, whose opinions always carried weight.
Oba Akinruntan, who chairs the Yoruba Obas Conflict Resolution Committee, said: “Oba Erediauwa is not only brilliant and intelligent, I always admired him as a culture hero. He represented the essence of Bini tradition, which has survived adulteration of modern-day civilisation. He was courageous and spoke the truth, no matter how daunting the environment was. His love for his people was unparalleled and he always held his head high on issues that bordered on the traditional institution.”
Oba Akinruntan noted that Ugbo and the Bini people had an age-long relationship.
He said: “On behalf of the people of Ugbo, I condole with the royal family of Benin Kingdom, the people and government of Edo State and Nigerians for this great loss. Our consolation is that Oba Erediauwa left an indelible legacy, which will remain evergreen in our memory. I pray God to grant him eternal rest as he joins his ancestors.”
Also, a governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 10 governorship election in Edo State, Chris Ogiemwonyi, condoled with the family, the people and residents of the state.
In a statement in Benin, the state capital, Ogiemwonyi said: “On behalf of myself and my family, I express my heartfelt condolences to the royal family of the distinguished monarch, patriot and statesman, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa of Benin Kingdom. I also commiserate with the Bini on the transition of our great monarch to the world beyond.
“I will miss your wise counsel, generous disposition and expression of love.
“The absence of your physical presence is a great loss to the state and the country and, no doubt, it has created a big vacuum that will be difficult to fill in a hurry.”
Recalling the eventful reign of the monarch, Ogiemwonyi said: “Your 37 year-reign was monumental and peaceful. I pray you reunite with your ancestors and that the Almighty God grants every member of the royal family and the people the wisdom to sustain your worthy legacies.”
