Pomp at coronation anniversary of Omo N’oba Ewuare II

• As Oba Launches The Red Book/ Oba Ewuare II Satellite Town

When rain falls, the soil and trees are watered to bring forth abundant harvest. That was the case on October 20, 2018, when the second coronation anniversary marking ascension to the throne of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin was held at the Palace ground in Benin.

The celebration left lasting impressions and legacies behind, as it also witnessed the formal launch of a historic book, “The Red Book: The Benin Monarchy: An Anthology of Benin History.” At the occasion, the monarch also performed the ground-breaking ceremony of Oba Ewuare II Satellite Town in Ugomoson in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State. The two events have been variously described as epoch and historic in Benin Kingdom.

The Red Book was meant to put in proper perspective, the history of Benin Kingdom right from the Ogiso Dynasty to present Obaship. The book has over 550 pages, with 18 chapters and 27 contributing editors, and contains over 400 pictures of various Obas, artefacts, relics and historical symbols associated with Benin Kingdom. The book is a compendium of the work of various historians, researchers, anthropologists, sociologists, writers and analysts. The Forward was written by Oba Ewuare himself.

The monarch said the unveiling was very dear to his heart, explaining that the book was of outstanding quality and in a class of its own. He described it as a great tribute to a great culture and history of a great people.Before now, different writers and scholars had written various books on Benin history, but the Red Book was written to correct some misconceptions in them. For instance, some authors referred to the Crown Prince as Duke of Uselu.

At the presentation, however, Oba Ewuare II clarified that the Crown Prince is not a duke, but the Edaiken N’Uselu, who derives his authority from Oba of Benin. The monarch also explained that there are no kingmakers in Benin Kingdom, because in Benin tradition, a king is born and not made or chosen by any individual or group of individuals.

The Omo N’Oba said it was erroneous to believe that all matters start and end at the Oba’s Palace, as there is a saying in Benin that, “Equae-Emwense” meaning, all matters end at the Palace because of authority vested in the Oba over the Kingdom. His resolution is final and never subject to further review. The Oba explained the historical background to these claims, which are contained in the Red Book.

It was equally believed that Oba Ewuare II was the 39th Oba of Benin. But the Oba corrected this notion, when he publicly announced that he was the 40th Oba of Benin. The implication of this was that recognition had been accorded Ekaladerhan, the exiled Prince of Benin Kingdom as the first Oba of Benin. All previous books on Benin history didn’t recognise Ekaladerhan as an Oba.

Clearly, there is a lot to learn from the Red Book, which explains why various speakers at the launch, including former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd.) and the book reviewer, Prof Abednego Ekoko recommended the book for academia, historians, students and general public. They described Oba Ewuare II as a quintessential leader and philosopher king of our time.

General Gowon, who was chairman of the occasion, described Benin Kingdom as unique and Oba Ewuare II as a distinguished diplomat. He said the monarch had been in the forefront of making Nigeria peaceful and united. He commended the Oba for producing the magnificent book, which he said would have far-reaching effect on the people and society.

President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, said Nigerian history would not be complete without Benin Kingdom’s contributions. He congratulated the monarch for preserving the rich culture and tradition of Benin Kingdom, which he said is a role model for other cultures to emulate.

President Buhari called on traditional rulers to build bridges of unity, love and mutual respect, adding that the teaching of Nigeria’s history, culture and tradition must not be compromised. He noted that traditional institutions are key to ensuring peace, unity and progress in Nigeria.

On his part, Captain Hosa Okunbo said Oba Ewuare II meant well for his people and Benin Kingdom. He called on everyone to support the Omo N’Oba’s vision and success of the Red Book.At the ground breaking ceremony of the Oba Ewuare II Satellite Town located at Ugomoson along Benin-Agbor-Onisha Express Way, the monarch explained that the motive behind its establishment included the need to decongest Benin City, which has become over-populated and its facilitates over-stretched.

It was to also open the rural areas and bring development nearer to people at the grassroots, as the Satellite Town would promote economic activities, and create jobs. The Satellite Town is expected to be a model with such modern facilities as roads, water, electricity, market, security, schools and recreational facilities.

Since Oba Ewuare II ascended the throne on October 20, 2016, the Oba’s Palace has been transformed from its ancient form to a modern palace. The latest of such transformation was the construction of an ultra-modern and befitting gate, which reflects royalty and the rich culture and tradition of Benin Kingdom. It features Queen Idia N’Iyesigie’s head (The Festac Bronze Head), an eagle, an elephant, and the bronze head of a late Oba of Benin.

Oba Ewuare 11 said the concept of a model, self-contained city was one of the key projects he mooted during his initial coronation, and was aimed at boosting youth empowerment, economic development and general welfare of his people. He expressed hope that the satellite town would attract industries that would create job opportunities for youths, and stem rural-urban migration.

The chairman of Uhunmwode Local Government, Hon. Napoleon Agbama eulogised Oba Ewuare II for his foresight and zeal in establishing the satellite town in the locality, which he said would help to transform Uhunmwode’s status from that of least developed local government area in the state to an economic hub and social development.