THE BENIN PEOPLE GET A NEW OBA

THE BENIN PEOPLE GET A NEW OBA

 The Oba of Benin, or Omo N'Oba , Emini mini mini is the
traditional ruler of the Edo people and head of the historic Eweka dynasty of the Great Benin Empire - a West African empire centered on Benin City , in modern-day Nigeria. The ancient Benin homeland (not to be confused with the modern-day and unrelated Republic of Benin , which was then known as Dahomey ) has been and continues to be mostly populated by the Edo (also known as the Bini or Benin ethnic group).
The title of Oba was created by Oba Eweka I, Benin Empire's first 'Oba', who is said to have ascended to power at some time between 1180 and 1300.


Benin City, the Edo State capital, literarily stood still yesterday, as the Benin Crown Prince, His Royal Highness (Amb.) Eheneden Erediauwa, the Edaiken N’ Uselu, left Uselu, his temporary abode for the past three months, for Udin Amamieson Amiuwa, as part of the activities signaling his coronation ceremony as the new Oba of Benin Kingdom.
As early as 9am, various cultural troupes, like the Iten Edo Theatre Group, Benin Royal Dynasty Trust Dance, had already converged on Uselu, rendering melodious songs and entertaining guests, even as thousands of residents and onlookers trooped to Uselu to catch a glimpse of the historic event.
The Crown Prince came out at about three minutes past 1pm to acknowledge his guests before returning to his abode.
Dressed in a red cap, royal white top and a golden wrapper, the Edaiken stopped briefly at the sacred palm tree at about 4:30pm for a short ceremony.
He also had brief stopovers at Ekoha where the Uselu chiefs took leave of him for the Benin chiefs to take over, and at Iyaro for some traditional rites.
He was accompanied by Benin chiefs as well as different traditional groups and societies  as the prince moved on foot.
There was also a heavy presence of security operatives from the Nigeria Police, Nigerian Army and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
The crown prince arrived at Eko-Ohae at about 6:35, where he is expected to spend three days before leaving for the Usama palace for the coronation rituals to continue on Monday.
Chief Ada Igbinovia, the Edosomwan of Benin Kingdom, said those who are witnessing the coronation ceremony should count themselves very lucky as it is not what one experience often, adding that he is very happy to be part of the ceremony. He said he very strong to trek to Benin as he had done it before.
A centenarian, Chief Osarobo Orue, the Oba Iyekeagbon of Benin Kingdom, who is witnessing the coronation of the third Oba of Benin, said the reign of the new Oba of Benin will be more peaceful than his predecessors, stressing that since he came to Uselu, there has been a lot of peace in the land.
“This is my third time I am witnessing the coronation of Oba of Benin. I witnessed the coronation of Oba Akenzua, Oba Erediauwa and that of Edaiken N’Usele. I will join in the trekking. I am 100 years old now”, he said.


Edited from sunnewsonline.com

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