The newly crowned monarch of the ancient Benin Kingdom will be known as Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku’ Akpolokpolo Ewuare 11.
He unveiled his official title today at the presentation of staff of office ceremony, which was attended by Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo and the host governor, Adams Oshiomhole.
There was also the King of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who shares the same ancestral Oranmiyan link with Ewuare.
The coronation had earlier been performed secretly according to the demand by tradition, before the presentation ceremony.
The crowning ceremony was performed about 3 am at Usama Palace, far from the prying eyes of cameras and press men.
The crowning at Usama palace was performed by the Usama N’ Ihiron also known as the Edion led by Chief Oliha.
Oliha was supported by other powerful rulers in the kingdom, including the Edion are Edohen, Ezomo, Ero, Eholo N’ Ire, Oloton and Edaiken.
A mammoth crowd later on Thursday escorted the new king from Usama palace to Orho-Okpata in Benin.
The crowd had waited patiently while chanting songs of praises and incantation before the King came out exactly 1:05 pm and finally left the palace by 1:20 pm.
As it is the ritual, the Oba of Benin walked through Oreogene and stopped by at Oloto palace, one of the seven Chiefs that performed the crowning ceremony at dawn.
The Oba, thereafter, visited a shrine at Iwehen junction to pay homage.
Then he walked through Ibiwe and later arrived at Urho-Okpota where the crowning was officially performed by Chief Oliha of Benin.
Among the dignitaries were Iweghe, Iwebos, Ibiwe chiefs and youth, Ogbelaka chiefs, Isiemwenro guild, Ifieto, and Edigin N’Okakun.
The new monarch had relocated on October 11, to Usama palace to perform coronation rites, after spending three days at Urho-Okpota
He was presented a staff of office by Oshiomhole.
The new Oba was born on October 20, 1953 and crowned on his birthday.
He has three wives.
The monarch, during his coronation and receipt of staff of office, called for the inclusion of Edo language and history in schools’ curriculum.
He implored the government to include Edo language and Benin history in schools’ curriculum.
He also appealed to the Benin people to uphold and respect traditional institutions at all times.
“I advise my Benin people to try to maintain our culture especially our language, by insisting on its use in communicating with their children and each other.
He equally spoke on what he called “cultural diplomacy” when he said: “We shall strive to ensure that conflicts are resolved among individuals, families and communities along the principles of social justice.
“We shall use cultural diplomacy as veritable tool for the promotion of harmonious relationship with our neighbours far and near.’’
The Oba said that to survive, it was imperative that culture is maintained; adding that culture is a unifying force for the people.
“Our culture and tradition remain the one main factor that international communityrespect us for.
The Oba said that his reign shall uphold the principle of neutrality and non-partisanship in political parties’ activities.
“While our people remain free to play politics by subscribing to any political party of their choice, we shall, however, continue to pray for and always support the right kind of political leaders.
“Who will safeguard the welfare of our people, provide for their basic needs and who will accord recognition to traditional institutions.”
