Tag: Oba of Benin

Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin has proclaimed five chieftaincy titles, marking the begining of a new dawn in Benin.

Oba Ewuare II also appointed Pa Billi Ehigiator to handle traditional functions in Abudu Community, Orhionmwon Local Government Area on behalf of the Benin Palace.

Pa Ehigiator is to serve pending final resolution of the dispute over the Odionwere (Community head) in the area by the Oba.

 The Ogua of Benin, Chief Uyi Okungbowa, passed decision of the Benin monarch’s decision when elders of Abudu protested to the Oba palace over alleged misconduct by one of the elders of the Community simply identified as Mr Izekor.

The protesting elders were cautioned to lawfully conduct their activities and live in peace.

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In proclaiming the five Chieftaincy, Oba Ewuare II named Chief Aiyagbonrule Ugheneze as the Osamagiedode of Benin title, while Chief Friday Obaze, was bestowed the Enoha of Benin.

Chief Igie Omoragbon was awarded the title of Chief Obasenaga of Benin. Chief Ebose Osayomwanbor, was honoured with the Osogua of Benin title, while Chief Efosa Igbinomwanhia was blessed with the Obamedo of Benin Kingdom, Benin title, 

During the Ekpomwanbor traditional rite held at the Oba Palace in Benin, Oba Ewuare II, blessed his newly enlisted disciples who took turn to pay homage to the royal parsonage in excitement during the traditional rite.

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.

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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.

(NAN) 

The suspended Enogie (Duke) of Utoka community in Ovia Northeast Local Government Area of Edo State, Airomwanbo Ogieayevbona, has tendered an unreserved apology to the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, for the infractions that led to his suspension.

The suspended Duke also stated that he did not intend to abandon his ancestry and route.

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He said, “I agree to abide by whatever it pleases your Royal Majesty to request me to do, to be able to reconcile with you as your loyal subject and son.

“I admit the toll my suspension has taken on me, and I am fully repentant. I pledge to retrace my steps and to be of good conduct.”

The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has directed Festus Aiyeki, the Enogie (Duke) of Iguogie, to oversee the affairs of neighbouring Evbolekpen community.

Evbolekpen is in Ovia North East Local Government.

This directive follows the indefinite suspension of the Enogie of Evbolekpen, Chief Enabulele Obanosa, by the Oba, along with others accused of leading a rebellion against Ewuare II.

The directive was conveyed by Chief Stanley Obamwonyi, the Esere of Benin, during a gathering of the affected village elders at the Oba’s Palace yesterday in Benin City.

Aiyeki, who currently presides over Iguogie, Igue-Otor, Igue-Edobor and Evboro villages, will now also oversee Evbolekpen.

He is expected to work in collaboration with the elders of the area, in accordance with Oba Ewuare’s mandate.

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Chief Obamwonyi delivered the directive in the presence of other chiefs and elders from Iguogie and Evbolekpen villages, reaffirming the authority of the Oba’s Palace.

“You are aware that the Enogie of Evbolekpen has been suspended by the Oba.

‘’Since Iguogie Dukedom is nearby, Oba Ewuare has instructed us to inform you that, from this day forward, the Enogie of Iguogie will oversee Evbolekpen on his behalf,” he said.

Obamwonyi urged the Enogie of Iguogie to collaborate with the elders of Evbolekpen, led by its Odionwere, Pa. Gabriel Ukhure, and to avoid any unlawful activities.

He emphasised the Oba’s commitment to repositioning the Benin Kingdom for the overall well-being of its people.

Chief Isaac Oyeoba, the Oyeoba of Benin, clarified that Aiyeki was not an Okao (District Head), but an Enogie.

He said Aiyeki was honoured by Oba Ewuare for his loyalty, having refused to join the suspended Enigie in betraying the palace.

In response, the Enogie of Iguogie, Aiyeki, pledged to fulfil his duties as directed by the Oba of Benin and to foster development in the villages under his jurisdiction.

The Odionwere of Evbolekpen, Pa Ukhure, speaking on behalf of the elders, assured people of strict adherence to the Oba’s decision and expressed gratitude for the monarch’s swift intervention.

The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has appointed Chief Emmanuel Iyase as Okao Eguae (District Head from Benin Palace) over Ologbo and Ehor Dukedoms in Ikpoba-Okha and Uhunmwode Local Government Areas of Benin Kingdom in Edo State.

Iyase, the first Okao Eguae from the Benin palace, according to the first-class monarch’s Chief Press Secretary, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, would among other responsibilities, strengthen the traditional leadership structures in the areas.

He would oversee the Dukedoms where the suspended Enigie of Ologbo (Prince Owen Jackson Akenzua) and Ehor (Chief D.E. Igiehon) Dukedoms, who rebelled against the foremost traditional ruler with 69 other Enigie (Dukes), were suspended from.

Oba of Benin, while speaking during the Ekpomwen-abor, a ceremony of appreciation after conferment of chieftaincy title at Ugha Ozolua axis in Oba palace, stated that rebellion would not be tolerated in Benin kingdom in Edo South Senatorial District of Edo.

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He admonished the newly-appointed Okao to shun unethical practices that could undermine his authority or bring disrepute to the Dukedoms.

The frontline monarch urged Iyase to work in harmony with the Edionwere, elders in the Dukedoms, and with the support of designated top functionaries on the authority of the Benin monarch.

Iyase, who was accompanied by members of his family and well-wishers at the event, hailed Oba of Benin for the honour and special recognition, while promising to be of good conduct for the well-being of the people and overall development of Ologbo and Ehor Dukedoms.

CAPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Chief Emmanuel Iyase, the Okao of Ologbo and Ehor Dukedoms (kneeling in the middle) with his family members and associates paying respect to the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, at Ekpomwen-abor traditional rites in Oba’s palace, Benin, Edo State on March 31, 2025.

Edo State Government has ratified the decision of the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, to suspend 71 Enigie (Dukes) in Benin Kingdom, thereby overriding five executive orders issued by former governor, Godwin Obaseki.

Commissioner for Information and Communications, Paul Ohonbamu, who made the disclosure yesterday, after the state Executive Council (exco) meeting at the Government House in Benin, said the exco approved the ratification of the suspension of the Enigie (Dukes), a move aimed at maintaining order and discipline in the state’s traditional institution.

He said the actions of the Enigie (Dukes) amounted to a cultural coup d’état, when they attempted to overthrow the Oba of Benin.

This move, Ohonbamu said, marked a significant development, given the approval and ratification of the suspended rebellious Enigie (Dukes) against the first-class monarch.

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The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) had announced the suspension of the 71 Enigie (Dukes) in Benin Kingdom, alleging that they engaged in anti-palace and rebellious activities against the Oba of Benin.

The Commissioner for Information and Communications said the former administration of Obaseki attempted to carry out the balkanisation of Benin kingdom, using five executive orders available to him, which had been vacated by Governor Monday Okpebholo, using one executive order.

He said the act was orchestrated by the last administration, when Obaseki allegedly picked some Enigie (Dukes) to act rebelliously against the palace of the Oba of Benin.

Ohonbamu pointed out some of the critical issues, including the vow made by the Enigie (Dukes) never to honour the Oba of Benin’s call, go to the palace, or pay allegiance to the foremost traditional ruler.

He described the position of the Benin monarch as a repository of the rights, divinity, law and the power of the Benin kingdom, which consists of seven local governments, namely Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, Egor, Ovia Northeast, Ovia Southwest, Orhionmwon and Uhunmwonde, in Edo South Senatorial District.

The commissioner stressed that all Benin people, no matter how highly placed, derived validity from the Oba of Benin, noting that the eminent monarch was not only powerful, ‘’he does not make mistakes or apologise.’’