AFTER a 37-year peaceful reign that brought development to Benin King­dom, the Oba of Benin, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Eredi­auwa has reunited with his ancestors.

The Iyase of Benin (Traditional Prime Minister), Chief Sam Igbe, yes­terday announced the passage at the palace ground with the breaking of the traditional white native chalk.

The announcement is coming over a year after the highly reverred monarch was rumoured to have passed on. The rumour was almost officially confirmed when the Oba’s palace on March 16, 2016 issued a statement stating that Oba Erediuawa was indisposed and would no longer perform public engagements.

The official announcement yesterday was witnessed by the Enigie, palace Chiefs, the Oba’s children, relatives and subjects.
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“Osorhue Bunrun. Oba Erediauwa of Benin Kingdom, the Prince of Peace, Ebo Ayemwirhe, Emini Mini Mini, has reunited with his ancestors. May he find perfect peace with God”, the Iyase said.

The Iyase also announced that as part of the mourning of the Oba, all markets in the Benin-speaking local govern­ments are to remain shut; all Benin sons to shave their heads, while all Benin chiefs are to wear one round bead on their necks.

The announcement of the Oba’s tran­sition, yesterday threw the Benins into mourning.

Commenting on the passage of her father, the Oba’s first daughter, Princess Theresa Erediauwa, said “my father was a great man. He upheld our values”.

Also speaking, one of the pal­ace Chiefs, Omon- Osagie Utetene­giabi, the Obadolagbonyi of Benin Kingdom said “it is customary that when a sitting Oba becomes an ances­tor, translate to a greater glory, the news is first broken to his eldest son and the immediate family which was done ear­lier today.

“ Then, the Iyase of Benin, as the highest ranking Chief breaks the news to the people of Benin Kingdom and the world. Iyase is the traditional Prime Minister and the bridge between the people and the royalty and that is what he has done today.

“From today until the expiration of ‘Emwinekhua,’ all Benin Chiefs, all chiefs that have been entitled by the Oba to wear two round beads round their necks will now wear one.

“It is customary because when you see a Chief wears one bead, it shows that we are in a state of mourning.

“After today, we are awaiting further instructions on what to do. But the Oba of Benin does not die because he is an institution; he mainly translates to high glory as an ancestor.

“Oba Erediauwa is the Oba of Peace, the Oba who brought prosperity to his people, the Oba who understands his people. He made sure that no one was offended. He was the Oba who could sit in judgment and give judgment against his own son for a commoner.

“It is rare. Oba Erediauwa is the best that has happened to Benin Kingdom in the last 1,600 years”, chief Utetenegiabi said.