The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Oba of Benin

  • Oba of Benin advises Fayose

    The Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II has advised Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose to remain committed to democracy and good governance.

    Oba Ewuare II said no meaningful development could take place in an environment of rancour.

    The Benin monarch spoke when Fayose  visited him.

    Fayose is in the state to deliver the 13th convocation lecture of the Benson Idahosa University.

    Oba Ewaure II said: “We have been following some of your political wars. We are in support of resolving conflicts peacefully and we always pray for peace and we strive for it in Benin.

    “I salute your commitment to democracy and good governance out there and we say keep on doing the good work in spite of the adversities being faced.”

    Fayose said he was impressed with the achievements of the Benin monarch within a few months.

    He said: “I represent the belief that this country must stay united in justice as without justice there would be no peace. I want to stay close to this palace and be an asset to it. You are a man of this generation and your support and advice would be invaluable.”

  • Benin High Chief docked for forgery

    Benin High Chief docked for forgery

    A high chief in the palace of the Oba of Benin, Chief John Osamede Adun, has been docked before an Egor Magistrate Court for alleged forgery and destruction of building worth N22m.

    Chief Adun who is popularly known as ‘Bob Izua’ was arraigned alongside two others on six count charges bothering on forgery of documents, procuring execution of deeds by threat, destroying a building valued at N22million and destruction of six graves/tombs among others.

    Others arraigned with Chief Adun were Omorogbe Austin’s, 36, and Festus Etta, 39.

    The accused persons were alleged to have on the 15th of January 2015 at No 114, Uselu Lagos Road, Benin conspired to forge document of sharing properties of late Victor Igbinosun Okunoghae thereby committed an offence contrary and punishable under Section 517 of the Criminal Code Cap 48 Vol 11 Laws of the defunct Bendel state of Nigeria 1976 as applicable to Edo state.

    They were also accused of forging a document purported to be a titled document of Plot 114. Uselu Lagos Road Benin, property of late Victor Igbinosun Okunoghae thereby committed an offence contrary and punishable under Section 467 (2) (d) of the criminal code  Cap 48 Laws of the defunct Bendel state of Nigeria 1976 as applicable to Edo state.

    The accused persons were accused of procuring execution of deeds by threat with intent to defraud and by means of unlawful violence in respect of the property known as No 114, Uselu Lagos Road, Benin thereby committed an offence contrary and punishable under section 409 of the criminal code Cap 48 Vol 11 Laws of the defunct Bendel state of Nigeria 1976 as applicable to Edo state.

    In count three, the accused persons were alleged to have conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause breach of by threatening and chasing away with violence one Mrs. Loveth Austine Obasuyi in the attempt to unlawfully procure execution of deed against her brother and thereby committed an offence contrary and punishable under section 249 (d) of the Criminal Code Cap 48 Vol 11 of the defunct Bendel state of Nigeria as applicable to Edo state.

    The accused persons were accused of allegedly destroying a building worth N22million, only property of late Victor Igbinosun Okunoghae family and further destroying six existing graves/tombs therein committed an offence contrary and punishable under section 451 of the Criminal code cap 48 Vol. 11 Laws of the defunct Bendel state of Nigeria as applicable to Edo state.

    Chief Adun and other accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges when the charges were read to them.

    The court however reaffirmed bail earlier granted the accused persons.

    Presiding Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Igho Braimoh directed the court Registrar to reverify the bail earlier granted to the accused and adjourned hearing to the 28th August, 2017.

     

  • Edo monarch urges Ize-Iyamu to accept tribunal’s verdict

    The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, on Saturday advised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, to accept the verdict of the state election petitions tribunal.

    A statement signed by the monarch’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Desmond Agbama, said the monarch noted that despite the tribunal’s verdict, there was no victor no vanquished in the election.

    The three-man tribunal on Friday dismissed Ize-Iyamu’s petition and upheld the victory of Governor Goodwin Obaseki.

    Ize-Iyamu and his party, the PDP, had challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declaration of Obaseki of the All Peoples Congress (APC) as winner of the Sept 28, 2016 governorship election in Edo.

    “In an election, there is no victor and no vanquished.

    “Consequently, Osagie Ize-Iyamu should accept the decision of the tribunal in good faith and forge ahead in the task of providing democracy dividends for the people,” the Oba said.

    He congratulated Obaseki on his victory, and urged him to focus on sanitising the society, providing critical infrastructure and creating job opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths in the state.

    NAN

     

  • The Oba of Benin – A royal oversight!

    The Oba of Benin – A royal oversight!

    Early in 2015, the Benin monarch, Omo N’ Oba n’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Erediuwa, the 38th Oba of Benin, bowed to nature’s call and joined his ancestors.  And so it was that after a long year, on Thursday October 20, 2016 in Benin, the then governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, performed the ceremonial handing over of office to the Oba’s successor, Prince Eheneden Erediuwa, the Edaikenn’Uselu, who was officially crowned the next Oba of Benin and head of the Eweka Dynasty.    His father before him was Prince Solomon Akenzua, son of Oba Akenzua II, before adopting the name Erediuwa upon ascending the throne in 1979.The new Oba chose to go by the name of Ewuare II.

    His coronation was a wonderful one; however there was a big BUT in the course of the ceremony which cannot comfortably be wished away.  As is usual with such ceremonies, the coronation of the Otu attracted dignitries from the length of breadth of Nigeria to Benin, and even the Diplomatic Corps was well represented, along with several other foreign guests.  To underscore the importance of the coronation and indeed the position of the Oba, Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof. YemiOsinbajo, was sent by the President to represent him.  All other first class chiefs and Natural rulers (6 in Nigeria) were present, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Mohammad Sa’ad Sanusi; Emir of Kano, SanusiLamidoSanusi; and the recently crowned Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.  These monarchs were not only visible throughout the ceremony, but were seated conspicuously in the front now.  And this is exactly where the BUT arises!

    The Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, was present but it was a strain for one to even catch a glimpse of him throughout the proceedings!  His presence was hastily acknowledgedbut throughout the NTA network live transmission, there were only a few passing glimpses of the Obong.

    At the end of the event, I came away with a feeling of unfulfilment and dissatisfaction but I put my expectations on the print media to assuage these feelings.  However, the reverse was the case.  By the time I went throughallthe major national dailies, the same omission was glaring.

    BUT PUTTING FACTS IN THEIR HISTORICAL PERSPEC-TIVE, this omission should never have happened.  In 1897, Oba OvonramwenNogbaisi was the Oba of Benin when the colonialists were trying to corner the economic produce of the hinterland of Nigeria, which today is known as the Niger Delta region.  In line with the tradition of the area of resistance to colonial oppression and economic sabotage of the region, the Oba, like his counterparts, King Jaja of Opobo and others, stoutly resisted the encroachment of the colonialists and imperialists.  In anger, the colialists sought how to do away with the Oba and initially planned for his execution.  But upon having him deposed, the decision was later taken to banish him from his Kingdom.  The Oba was sent on exile to a distant part of the hinterland, specifically:CALABAR.  And so it was that Oba of Benin was bundled with his entourage to Calabar where the Obong of Calabar hosted him, treated him graciously and even gave him wives from Calabar to add to the ones he had come along with. Thus the cordial relationship between the present day Cross River and the Benin Kingdom was born even till this day.

    The Oba lived in peace in Calabar and was given all the dignity of royalty that he actually was, until he died in 1914 in exile.Upon the death of the Oba, the throne was returned to its original lineage.AND THAT IS EXACTLY HOW THE KINGDOM WAS RESTORED AND WE HAVE THE OBA OF BENIN ON SEAT TODAY.

    The Obong of Calabar, EdidemEkpoOkon V is a true custodian of the rich cultural heritage of his people, and is a torch bearer of excellence.  His influence spreads solidly over old Cross River, meaning that he is a monarch highly revered across the state and even up to AkwaIbom and far beyond.  He is cultured and well educated man of integrity, a Christian who upholds the tenets of Christianity right in the palace for which he was commended by the notable Rev. W. F. Kumuyi of Deeper Life Christian Ministries some months ago.

    Now, President MuhammaduBuhari has described Oba Erediuwa, father of the current Oba as one of the most principled and forthright Nigerians he had ever met.  And as Oba Ewuare II begins the quest to write his name in gold in Nigeria’s history, I want to wish him good success in continuing the traditions of excellence which his predecessors laid.  I also add a whispered word of appeal that he makes arrangements to host the Obong of Calabar specially in his palace to further cement the wonderful relationship between the two kingdoms.

    So finally to the former Ambassador of Nigeria to Angola and Norway, a man of pedigree and dignity, as you rule on the throne of your fathers, I congratulate your whole kingdom for the rancor-free succession which has been the tradition of the ancient stool.  As the custodian of Bini custom and tradition, I congratulate you on the way you are incorporating women into chieftaincy affairs – notably Chief Daisy Danjuma (nee Enakhire), And Others You Will Bring In.  Bini monarchs have traditionally had a noble place for women; I recall stories of Queen Idia and Madam Emotan, to mention a few.

    • His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, I say long may you reign.

    Oba Gha to Okpere, Ise!

  • Oba of Benin urges prayers for Buhari

    Oba of Benin urges prayers for Buhari

    The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku-Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II has urged Nigerians to pray for the good health and safe return of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Addressing a gathering on Tuesday in Umegbe community in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo, the Benin monarch also directed traditional rulers to pray for the President.

    In attendance at the meeting were —  Igie – Ohen, (priests and priestesses), Oba N’ Amen, Enigies Odionwere -Evbo and all other traditional rulers in the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Buhari, who travelled on Feb. 6 to the United Kingdom on vacation, was also scheduled to see his physician during the 10 day trip.

    However, since the President’s trip, the country has been regaled with reports, particularly on the social media that he is very ill, but which his media aides and other government officials have denied.

    Oba Ewuare II said the President had good intentions to change the current economic woes of the country for the benefit of all.

    He said that Buhari needed the prayers of all traditional institutions to govern the country in good health.

    The monarch also said that celebrations in Benin would henceforth be expanded to accommodate other cultures and traditions of people of the entire state.

    He advised youths in the state to desist from land speculations and other social vices, adding that they should channel their youthful efforts to agriculture.

    Earlier, Chief Anthony Osagie, the Enogie of Umegbe, said that the monarch’s elimination of Community Development Associations and land transactions in the kingdom had restored the  dignity of the Benin kingdom.

    Osagie and other traditional rulers at the gathering pledged their unalloyed loyalty to Oba Ewuare II and urged him to use his position to attract development and basic amenities to the state. (NAN)

  • Maleke encourages artists to ‘rap’ in Edo Languages

    Maleke encourages artists to ‘rap’ in Edo Languages

    The Chairman,Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) in Edo, Maleke Idowu, has advised young talented artists in the state to promote indigenous languages in their arts.

    The comedian cum singer, gave the advice in an interview on Tuesday in Benin.

    Maleke said that one way the artists could do this was to rap in their ‘mother tongues’.

    He said the association was determined to carry the campaign to the grassroots, adding that, “we have embarked on rallies to shop for young artists from the three senatorial districts’’.

    He said that the association’s desire to promote Edo indigenous arts followed the call by the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, for encouragement of parents both at home and abroad to teach their children how to speak “our languages”.

    The PMAN chairman, therefore, said he would continue to organise rallies to discover indigenous rappers in the state.

  • You have my support, Oba of Benin tells Obaseki

    You have my support, Oba of Benin tells Obaseki

    THE Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has assured Edo state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki of the palace’s support, praising the governor for the inauguration of the Committee on the Gelegele project. He spoke at the state Government House after having a close-door meeting with Governor Obaseki. Oba Ewuare II said they discussed issues of mutual cooperation and that the Benin Palace was ready to partner the state government for the development of the state.

    The Benin monarch said he was passionate about the establishment of the proposed Export Free Processing Zone in Gelegele, Ovia North East Local Government Area. The Benin monarch explained that instead of Gelegele Seaport, he chose to focus on� Export Free Zone because he was so advised by experts, adding that he and governor Obaseki also discussed roads that will link up with the Export Free Zone and the Gelegele Seaport among other things.

    According to him, “I am passionate about the Export Free Processing Zone. That is what the Federal Government will easily accept. The Gelegele seaport will be tied to the Export Free Processing Zone project for the evacuation of proceeds”. The Oba said the governor is not just a politician. He is a technocrat as he was described. He should match his words with action as he is always done. On his part, Governor Obaseki informed the monarch that he has made difficult but necessary decision in the last 70 days of his administration.

    Governor Obaseki said he dealt with the issue of financial and and fiscal responsibility by producing a budget proposal that will take the state out of the current economic challenges. Obaseki said he has secured several investors confidence in China to come and invest in different sectors. He said he would soon send a bill criminalizing activities of Community Development Associations in the state to the state House of Assembly, The governor noted that without proper land administration, his administration would not able to create the 200,000 jobs it promised. His words, “In the last 70 days, we have been able to take difficult and necessary decision. “We are dealing with issue of financial and fiscal responsibility. We look at the future and current situation we are facing and we produce a budget we believe will take us out of economic challenges.”

  • Oba of Benin to establish farms, sell produce to the poor at reduced prices

    Oba of Benin to establish farms, sell produce to the poor at reduced prices

    BENIN Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, yesterday unveiled his plans to establish farms in several communities across the kingdom. Oba Ewuare II said produce from the farms would be sold to low income earners at prices lower than prevailing market prices. Speaking at his first enlarged meeting with his people at his palace, Oba Ewuare II told the people that his ascension to the throne was a sign of good things to come to the kingdom. Oba Ewuare II said the aim of the meeting was to discuss on way forward for the kingdom and the general welfare.

    The Benin monarch told the people that activities of Fulani herdsmen in the kingdom was being investigated through the help of security agencies. Oba Ewuare II, who announced the dissolution of all panels set up by palace chiefs to settle dispute, said decision of many panels were found to be biased. He warned the chiefs not to turn the palace to business centers by selling justice to the highest bidder. Oba Ewuare II condemned activities of Community Development Association (CDAs), saying youths have become terror in their communities.

    He frowned at the current situation where the CDA chairmen are custodian of community land instead of the Enogie, Odionwere or Ohen (Chief Priest). According to him, “The Oba has land in all the villages and we plan to reintroduce Ugbo Oba (Oba Farms). People will work there and the produce from the farms will be sold at special markets at reduced prices to the poor. “A committee to be set up will ensure that only the poor have access to buy things from the special markets.

    “The era of injustice being perpetrated by some chiefs in the past will not be entertained. Chiefs who will deliberate on matters relating to land crisis will not be men of questionable characters. “Youths who encroach on land or grab other people’s land will be dealt with.” Oba Ewuare II expressed worry over the extinction of the Benin language and low depth of Benin history, even by palace Chiefs.

  • FG seeks Private-Public-Partnership in development of Arts

    FG seeks Private-Public-Partnership in development of Arts

    The Federal Government has said that it will explore Private-Public-Partnership in the development of arts, culture and tourism sector to make it economically viable.

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, disclosed this in Benin on Friday night at the opening of the annual National Gallery of Art exhibition titled “Art of Benin Kingdom”.

    The exhibition was organised by the National Gallery of Art in commemoration of the coronation of the new Oba of Benin, Omo n’Oba n’Edo Uku Akpolopkolo, Oba Ewuare II.

    Mohammed noted that business of arts, culture and tourism required a lot of money and government could not run it alone without the support and cooperation of the private sector.

    He assured that government would encourage the private sector to invest in the creative industry because there were a lot to reap from such investment.

    The minister said government would provide the enabling environment to make it easy for young artists to have access to fund, improve their capacity and find markets for them.

    “In times of recession like this, most countries diversify not just the tangible industries but also the intangible such as culture and creative industry.

    “Art and Craft have been explored to preserve and promote cultural and
    linguistic identities as well as for social re-engineering, and above all, if properly harnessed, are veritable tools for revenue generation, economic empowerment and job creation.

    “The only commodity in the world which price never goes down is the works of art.

    “A painting today which is worth one million dollar, in few years time can worth more than two million dollar.

    “My ministry will leverage the arts and craft, culture and tourism for economic benefits in tandem with focus of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari
    to explore and develop the non-oil sector,” he said.

    The minister commended the initiative of the exhibition which showcased the exquisite Benin art in the national collection alongside art works produced by some Benin artists.

    He said the Edo people were famous for their bronze works, and as a result of the extent and quality of its creativity, Benin was famously referred to as “the ancient city of Bronze, cradle of black civilization”.

    “What we have seen today is centuries of history, culture and tradition which have been translated via various media such as canvass, marble concrete steel foil and media photography,” he said.

    He assured that government would do everything possible to repatriate the stolen works of arts from the country, including the Idia Ivory mask, the official symbol of the second World Black Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC ’77).

    The minister underscored the significance of the establishment of World Intellectual Property Organisation’s External Office in the country.

    He said the office was significant to the overall creativity and innovation as well as leveraging on the cultural heritage of “Nigeria as the world’s largest black nation”.

    The Chairman of the event and the Iyasere of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe, said the Benin people were natural artists and the exhibition was apt in celebrating the rich culture of the kingdom.

    Igbe charged the younger generation to take keen interest in arts to sustain the tradition and culture of the ancient city.

    The Director General of the National Gallery of Art, Abdullahi Muku, said the art works on display were variety of stylistic expressions in various media

    He said the gallery had produced an exhibition brochure which documented the exhibition for posterity and as a reference material.

    The event was attended by Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Culture, Rep. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, artists and stakeholder from Benin and beyond.

  • Oba of Benin’s coronation rites: Ogbelaka, Eguadase groups commence spiritual dance

    Oba of Benin’s coronation rites: Ogbelaka, Eguadase groups commence spiritual dance

    THE installation rites of the Oba of Benin continued yesterday with the Ogbelaka and Eguadase groups commencing a special spiritual dance, called Ekassa, on their way to the Usama Palace where the Crown Prince of Benin Kingdom, Prince Eheneden Erediauwa is currently carrying out some coronation rites and rituals. Young men and male elders clad in white wrappers danced from their abode in Sokponba to the Usama Palace in a colourful parade. The Ekassa dance will be held daily until after the coronation is part of activities to herald Crown prince Ehenden Erediauwa, to the throne of the Oba. Ekassa is performed by only males dressed in white robes after undergoing spiritual cleansing. Certain families in the kingdom are part of the Ekassa group.

    The dance moved through streets in Benin City to Uzama Palace where the Crown Prince would be carrying out coronation rites and rituals for seven days. Chief Obawonyi of Ogbelaka and Chief Robert Uhuoba, who spoke about the significance of the dance, said it was imperative that the dance is carried out after the death of an Oba and when a new one is about to ascend the throne. Uhuoba noted that partaking in the dance that comes in a life time was a privilege Meanwhile, the Edo State Government has directed landlords and residents of houses on the traditional routes of the Oba of Benin to give their houses a facelift as activities gear up towards the coronation of the Oba.

    Secretary to State Government, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, in a press statement said government noted that “in commemoration of the coronation of the new Oba of Benin, Edo State Government hereby directs that all houses on the traditional route of the Oba should be given a facelift including external painting and cleaning of the environment.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, this route includes Oba Ovoranmwwen Square, Oba Market Road, Sakponba Road, Siluko Road, Adesogbe Roads and other Roads around the Oba Palace.” The keeper of the shrine and head of Use community where the Crown Prince will choose a name, Edigin Ekpen Kelvin, the Edigin N’ Use, told newsmen yesterday that he has been prepared to receive the Crown Prince, even though he was not born in 1979 when Oba Erediauwa visited. Edigin Ekpen will play pebble game with the Crown Prince for him to choose a name.

    The pebbles were sent by Prince Oromiyan to his son who became Oba Eweka I and the game was first played by Oba Eweka. According to him, “We are in full gear preparing for the coming our Crown Prince. I was not born in 1979 when the former Crown Prince visited. I will play the traditional game with the Prince.

     “This is a family treasury. It is one of the importance of my family, my heritage and my dynasty. So, I have to be prepared for it. I am very prepared for it. We are doing our best to make sure there is security, clean environment and better atmosphere to receive the crown Prince. Also, all shrine in the community which every relevant ceremony will be done are prepared. “I am a traditional man. The ancestors are backing me. With the help of the elders and others that have given me the tutelage, I can say I am well prepared to play the game. It is the same pebbles that Eweka played. It does not change. Every Oba must play the game to choose a name.