Erediauwa: Anyaoku, Igbinedion, others extol monarch’s virtues

Since Friday, when news of the death of Omo n’Oba n’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo I, Oba Erediauwa of Benin Kingdom broke, eminent Nigerians and well wishers have continued to send condolences to the royal family and the entire Benin Kingdom, while paying tribute to the late monarch.

Former Edo State Governor, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, in a condolence message on behalf of himself and family, recalled the huge support he enjoyed from the monarch during his tenure as Edo State governor.

He said the unprecedented peace, harmony, tranquility and development witnessed during his tenure were made possible by the late Oba, who demonstrated outstanding wisdom in handling thorny issues.

Condoling with the Benin royal family, the Benin race and the entire people of the state, he urged them to take solace in the fact that the virtues of the Oba in the building of bridges of unity and the taking of the rich Benin culture and heritage to greater heights have earned the Edo man global pride and honour.

Chief Igbinedion particularly extended his condolences to the Crown Prince and pledged his support and loyalty as he undergoes the traditional rites to ascend the revered throne of the Oba of Benin.

Former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, said he received news of the demise of the late Oba, while on a visit to the United Kingdom for the celebration of the 90th birthday of The Queen.

Anyaoku said the passing of Oba Erediauwa represents a landmark in the epoch of revered monarchy in the ancient kingdom of Benin. “He distinguished himself in the public service in many parts of Nigeria, having attained, strictly on merit, the rank of Permanent Secretary. And when he succeeded to the historical throne of his ancestors, he served his people and his wider nation with unequalled dignity and devotion,” Anyaoku said.

President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, said: “We have lost a people’s monarch.” In a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki described the late Oba as a just, fair-minded, courageous, benevolent and a people’s monarch who lived his entire life in the service of his people.”

For the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the demise of the Oba of Benin is a loss of the nation’s gourd of history and tradition, even as Delta State’s Ifeanyi Okowa said the traditional ruler would long be remembered and celebrated for his invaluable contributions to the sustenance of the cultural heritage of his people.

The Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, on his part, said the late monarch would be missed for his peace-making profile and wise counsel. He urged the Crown Prince and all High Chiefs in Benin Kingdom to keep up the Erediauwa legacy of excellence in tradition and culture.

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