Erediauwa was a national figure, says Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has described the death of the Oba of Benin Kingdom, Omo n’Oba n’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa as a national loss.

A statement on his behalf by the Special Adviser Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said on behalf of the Federal Government, the President extended “sincere condolences to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, the people of Benin Kingdom and Edo State on the passage of the beloved monarch who had ruled over his people since his ascension to the throne in 1979.

“The President extends his special commiserations to Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa and other members of the late Oba’s immediate family.”

“President Buhari assures them of the fullest sympathy and solidarity of the Federal Government and all Nigerians as they mourn Oba Erediauwa who would always be remembered as one of the most outstanding traditional rulers of his era.

“As the late Oba goes to join his very illustrious royal ancestors, Buhari believed that his place of honour in the history of the Benin Kingdom and Nigeria has been assured by his long and highly successful career as a public servant, administrator and chief custodian of the much-celebrated culture and traditions of his people.

“The President prays that God Almighty would receive the late Oba’s soul and grant him peaceful repose.”

He also prayed that God would grant Crown Prince Erediauwa the wisdom and courage he would require to build on the laudable legacies of Oba Erediauwa.