Summary of Oba Ewuare II speech to the Oni of Ife and all Yoruba people...

Oba Oronmiyan
{The link between the old Monarchy of Ogiso and the new Monarchy of Obas of Benin}
(1170 A.D-1200A.D)

Ikaladerhan then Ododuwa of Uhe (Ife) was about 70 years old and was too old to undertake the long journey to Igodomigodo. When he gave this excuse, pressure was mounted on him by the edionisen to send his son. He felt very reluctant sending his son too. He feared the safety of his son and needed some .guarantee. In order to test the sincerity of the Edionisen and know their ability to cater for his son, according to J. U. Egharevba, some lice were given to Oliha to look after. Eghaievba further cites tradition as saying that Oliha was able to send back the lice to Ododuwa (Ikaladerhan) at Uhe, after three years. It was this ability of Oliha to preserve the lice that gave Oliha the appellation Ogele or O
gele muu Odu. He is today called Oliha ‘ne ogele’as his praise name. After this feat, Ikaladerhan acceded to the request to send his son Oranmiyan called Omonoyan by the Binis to Igodomigodo.Oromiyan entourage included amongst others the Edigin Ilawure Ihama and Ezima. They accompanied him to Igodomigodo. They entered Igodornigodo through the Western route via Iyekovia. Ilawure and Ezima stayed off at Usen and Okemuen respectively and settled there. It was as from River Ovia that Oromiyan started feeling the resistance of those protesting against his coming.The ferryman refused crossing him until pressure was put on him by Edionisen.
The city, Irebor the Ogiearnien mobilized his supporters to stop Oromiyan from entering the city. When the Edionisen heard of this, they kept Oromiyan and entourage at Ego. The Enogie of Ego took care of him, while the Edionisen prepared his palace at Usama. He was here for some years. ‘He was not however crowned because of the enormous problems created by Ogieamien and his supporters

Irebor continued to rule almost half of the kingdom as an administrator. He surrounded himself with soldiers and declared his new title hereditary. With the hope of passing it to his descendants who would also rule like he had done. He resisted all attempts by the Edionisen to disposes him of the Ogiso’s stool.

The inability of the Edionisen to wrest the land and Ogiso’s properties from Irebor created difficulties for Oromiyan. He was living in fear and suspicion of the people. He could not successfully adapt himself to his new status despite the great support the Edionisen gave to him. He had problem of communicating with people, because of lack of understanding of Edo language.
Prince Oranmiyan, unable to bear the animosity for very long, renounced his office and called Igodomigodo land, Ile Ibinu (meaning a land of annoyance and vexation). He declared that only a child of the soil, educated in the culture and traditions of Igodomigodo could rule the kingdom.
Meanwhile, he fell in love with the daughter of Ogie Ego named Erinmwinde who had a male child for him. By this Eririmwinde became the mother of the first crowned Oba of Evbuoto.

If Oranmiyan was not related to the Edo royal household, why was he not given a princess as his partner? The woman who allegedly bore him a son was a lowly chief’s daughter. This is the quotation historians are asking those who question Oduduwa Benin roots.

Oromiyan decided to go back home as he could not rule successfully especially because of the resistance put up by Ogieamien and his supporters.

The edionisen then waited for his child to grow up so that he can assume the throne. At first, the child could not speak and the oracle consulted.

It prescribed the performance of some rites and the playing (akhue) marble by the young prince. After the rites, while playing the marble, he uttered the word owomika meaning “I captured it” when he struck the only remaining marble.

His curious expression the Yoruba was as a result of his training in Yoruba language by Edigun at Use, who was one of those who came from Uhe with Oromiyan. Since then, Use became a place where all Obas perform the marble playing ceremonies preceding their taking of titles, After Oromiyan had left, the Edionisen busied themselves with training the young prince in the mysteries of Ubani or Evbuoto kingship. They suspended all their political differences until the prince was old enough to take his father’s place and crown Old Ogieamien was a very strong and indomitable ‘character. He was determined not only to rule but also to ensure that Ogieamien became a hereditary title to be used by his descendants. Over his area when he died, he was succeeded by his son who went by the same title Ogieamien. He was not as able and forceful as his father. This character made him to start losing supporters to the young prince who had grown up and crowned, king of Igodomigodo.

The opinion of the people about Oronmiyan as a Yoruba man who came to Evbuoto as an inviter or as conqueror stated to be corrected. The edionisen were able to convince the people that Oronmiyan was a son of Ikaladerhan who became Ododuwa of Ife and that they wanted the continuity of the monarchy though the system of primogeniture.. But not all were convinced and accepted the newly installed monarchy of Ubini. Those who opposed the new monarch, that it is Ife off shoot, did not allow the remains of any Oba to be buried in Ubini. This was why the remains of any Oba was carried to where Oromiyan was buried at Ife and the place was known as “Orun Oba Ado “Heaven of the king of Edo”

To the Edionisen (King makers) and their supporters who were more than Ogieamien followers, were fully aware of the fact that prince Oromiyan was Ikaladerhan’s son. Ikaladeran was the only son of Ogiso Owodo who became Ododuwa of Uhe, hence the rightful heir to Benin throne. That is why they brought his son to come and continue the line of his father.
Oronmiyan was therefore the link between the old monarchy of Ogiso and the new monarchy of Obas of Benin. Oromiyan was not a foreign, invader who haven failed, assigned his infant son to the task. The Edionisen were instrumental to Oromiyan’s coming, having been sent by Ododuwa (Ikaladerhan) on their .The Edionisen wanted to preserve the royal line as best as they could. If Oromiyan was a foreign invader, it would have been impossible for his infant son to be given so much care and protection in the midst of anti-royalist who were opposed to the restoration and his installation and rule as a king.
If they were not aware that it was the kingly blood of Owodo that was still running in the veins of the young infant price, he would not had lived to become a king. It is unthinkable that 31 kings had ruled for almost 2000years -40B.C-1100A.D. succeeding each other on the principle of primogeniture and for the same people to go to a foreign land to bring a foreigner to come and rule over them in fact to happen. Hence one is convinced beyond reasonable doubt that Oromiyan was a son to Ikaladerhan who became Ododuwa of Uhe.

The Yoruba themselves said that Oduduwa came from the East and he was great spiritualist whereas Benin is East of Yoruba area and Ikaladerhan exile conceded with that period of the arrival of Ododuwa in Yoruba land.

"I therefore stand before you today as the 40th Oba of Benin.A direct descendant of Oromiyan, the son of Oduduwa who the Benin people of that era knew as Ekharaderan, their self exiled Prince who later became ruler in IIe Ife, the Benin people recognized Oduduwa and his origin but it is not in our place to force this recognition on others outside our boundaries. The history of the world, is a shared one and they will certainly be unexpected connections in future. This is a time for unity and not divisiveness’. A time for mutual respect, recognizing that our wholeness as equals is so much more than some of our past."

Oba Ewuare II
The Oba of Benin is always right!!

davidnazee:
Summary of Oba Ewuare II speech to the Oni of Ife and all Yoruba people...

Oba Oronmiyan
{The link between the old Monarchy of Ogiso and the new Monarchy of Obas of Benin}
(1170 A.D-1200A.D)

Ikaladerhan then Ododuwa of Uhe (Ife) was about 70 years old and was too old to undertake the long journey to Igodomigodo. When he gave this excuse, pressure was mounted on him by the edionisen to send his son. He felt very reluctant sending his son too. He feared the safety of his son and needed some .guarantee. In order to test the sincerity of the Edionisen and know their ability to cater for his son, according to J. U. Egharevba, some lice were given to Oliha to look after. Eghaievba further cites tradition as saying that Oliha was able to send back the lice to Ododuwa (Ikaladerhan) at Uhe, after three years. It was this ability of Oliha to preserve the lice that gave Oliha the appellation Ogele or O
gele muu Odu. He is today called Oliha ‘ne ogele’as his praise name. After this feat, Ikaladerhan acceded to the request to send his son Oranmiyan called Omonoyan by the Binis to Igodomigodo.Oromiyan entourage included amongst others the Edigin Ilawure Ihama and Ezima. They accompanied him to Igodomigodo. They entered Igodornigodo through the Western route via Iyekovia. Ilawure and Ezima stayed off at Usen and Okemuen respectively and settled there. It was as from River Ovia that Oromiyan started feeling the resistance of those protesting against his coming.The ferryman refused crossing him until pressure was put on him by Edionisen.
The city, Irebor the Ogiearnien mobilized his supporters to stop Oromiyan from entering the city. When the Edionisen heard of this, they kept Oromiyan and entourage at Ego. The Enogie of Ego took care of him, while the Edionisen prepared his palace at Usama. He was here for some years. ‘He was not however crowned because of the enormous problems created by Ogieamien and his supporters

Irebor continued to rule almost half of the kingdom as an administrator. He surrounded himself with soldiers and declared his new title hereditary. With the hope of passing it to his descendants who would also rule like he had done. He resisted all attempts by the Edionisen to disposes him of the Ogiso’s stool.

The inability of the Edionisen to wrest the land and Ogiso’s properties from Irebor created difficulties for Oromiyan. He was living in fear and suspicion of the people. He could not successfully adapt himself to his new status despite the great support the Edionisen gave to him. He had problem of communicating with people, because of lack of understanding of Edo language.
Prince Oranmiyan, unable to bear the animosity for very long, renounced his office and called Igodomigodo land, Ile Ibinu (meaning a land of annoyance and vexation). He declared that only a child of the soil, educated in the culture and traditions of Igodomigodo could rule the kingdom.
Meanwhile, he fell in love with the daughter of Ogie Ego named Erinmwinde who had a male child for him. By this Eririmwinde became the mother of the first crowned Oba of Evbuoto.

If Oranmiyan was not related to the Edo royal household, why was he not given a princess as his partner? The woman who allegedly bore him a son was a lowly chief’s daughter. This is the quotation historians are asking those who question Oduduwa Benin roots.

Oromiyan decided to go back home as he could not rule successfully especially because of the resistance put up by Ogieamien and his supporters.

The edionisen then waited for his child to grow up so that he can assume the throne. At first, the child could not speak and the oracle consulted.

It prescribed the performance of some rites and the playing (akhue) marble by the young prince. After the rites, while playing the marble, he uttered the word owomika meaning “I captured it” when he struck the only remaining marble.

His curious expression the Yoruba was as a result of his training in Yoruba language by Edigun at Use, who was one of those who came from Uhe with Oromiyan. Since then, Use became a place where all Obas perform the marble playing ceremonies preceding their taking of titles, After Oromiyan had left, the Edionisen busied themselves with training the young prince in the mysteries of Ubani or Evbuoto kingship. They suspended all their political differences until the prince was old enough to take his father’s place and crown Old Ogieamien was a very strong and indomitable ‘character. He was determined not only to rule but also to ensure that Ogieamien became a hereditary title to be used by his descendants. Over his area when he died, he was succeeded by his son who went by the same title Ogieamien. He was not as able and forceful as his father. This character made him to start losing supporters to the young prince who had grown up and crowned, king of Igodomigodo.

The opinion of the people about Oronmiyan as a Yoruba man who came to Evbuoto as an inviter or as conqueror stated to be corrected. The edionisen were able to convince the people that Oronmiyan was a son of Ikaladerhan who became Ododuwa of Ife and that they wanted the continuity of the monarchy though the system of primogeniture.. But not all were convinced and accepted the newly installed monarchy of Ubini. Those who opposed the new monarch, that it is Ife off shoot, did not allow the remains of any Oba to be buried in Ubini. This was why the remains of any Oba was carried to where Oromiyan was buried at Ife and the place was known as “Orun Oba Ado “Heaven of the king of Edo”

To the Edionisen (King makers) and their supporters who were more than Ogieamien followers, were fully aware of the fact that prince Oromiyan was Ikaladerhan’s son. Ikaladeran was the only son of Ogiso Owodo who became Ododuwa of Uhe, hence the rightful heir to Benin throne. That is why they brought his son to come and continue the line of his father.
Oronmiyan was therefore the link between the old monarchy of Ogiso and the new monarchy of Obas of Benin. Oromiyan was not a foreign, invader who haven failed, assigned his infant son to the task. The Edionisen were instrumental to Oromiyan’s coming, having been sent by Ododuwa (Ikaladerhan) on their .The Edionisen wanted to preserve the royal line as best as they could. If Oromiyan was a foreign invader, it would have been impossible for his infant son to be given so much care and protection in the midst of anti-royalist who were opposed to the restoration and his installation and rule as a king.
If they were not aware that it was the kingly blood of Owodo that was still running in the veins of the young infant price, he would not had lived to become a king. It is unthinkable that 31 kings had ruled for almost 2000years -40B.C-1100A.D. succeeding each other on the principle of primogeniture and for the same people to go to a foreign land to bring a foreigner to come and rule over them in fact to happen. Hence one is convinced beyond reasonable doubt that Oromiyan was a son to Ikaladerhan who became Ododuwa of Uhe.

The Yoruba themselves said that Oduduwa came from the East and he was great spiritualist whereas Benin is East of Yoruba area and Ikaladerhan exile conceded with that period of the arrival of Ododuwa in Yoruba land.

"I therefore stand before you today as the 40th Oba of Benin.A direct descendant of Oromiyan, the son of Oduduwa who the Benin people of that era knew as Ekharaderan, their self exiled Prince who later became ruler in IIe Ife, the Benin people recognized Oduduwa and his origin but it is not in our place to force this recognition on others outside our boundaries. The history of the world, is a shared one and they will certainly be unexpected connections in future. This is a time for unity and not divisiveness’. A time for mutual respect, recognizing that our wholeness as equals is so much more than some of our past."

Oba Ewuare II
The Oba of Benin is always right!!

cool story but my question is how was oduduwa able to communicate with Yoruba if he was a Benin lost prince and Yoruba did not record him as speaking a foreign language or not being able to communicate with him. So how did a Benin prince speak Yoruba coz even when oranmiyan a Yoruba left for Benin he couldn’t understand the language just like u wrote in ur story. So how did he learn Yoruba and if he didn’t and was thought why is no reference to that in ife history about him. And why did he bear oduduwa in ife instead of the ikhederan and also how did Benin know he was their lost prince since he is so far away now with a new identity.

MayorofLagos:
Im glad people are catching up to the tales and fables spun by these people. Ekaladheran as Izoduwa or Oduduwa is a HOAX as well.

It makes sense, reflecting on these papers, why Ekhaladeran bacame a central point of the Edo story, whereas Yorubas do not know who he is.

Ekhaladeran was a folk hero of Edos, a mythical legend.

By time of last reigned Ogiso resentments were already at high point in Edo society and when it got to a boiling point they banished the Ogiso into exile. Evian was also an hero and so became an administrator pending a suitable replacement. He in turn vouched his son as his successor and titled him Ogiamwen, but the son was not suitable for the position and resulted in Edo people again rebelling against their ruler. The society became polarized. Ogiamwen now had a large following and supporters but he was not a favorite of many in society nor of Edo Chiefs.
Ogiamwen in turn was making plan to turn the interim administration position (regency) into hereditary rulership and make the son succeed the father in a dynastic continuum. This angered the Chiefs. They sent emissary to Ile Ife and asked for a Yoruba Prince to come and lead the people. This is how Oranmiyan got to Edoland.

The people did not ask for an Ife Prince, that decision was made by the Chiefs'. Oranmiyan arrived in the midst of chaos and to a society greatly divided amongst itself. The people rebelled against him too and will not accept him. Oranmiyan came with a band of Ife Chiefs. They set up his court, including cults, everything modeled after the court in Ife, including protocol and processions. Every duty and conduct was done in Yoruba language. It was in this environment that Eweka was born into and grew up in, and the throne of Oba Oranmiyan had gained footing before he left in annoyance from the land of Ubinu (anger) back to Ife.

The Edo Chiefs had to concoct a convincing story to feed society in order to pacify them and make Eweka and his foreign root acceptable to them, otherwise they will frustrate him too and it will create more chaos in society and instability for the new throne.

They tied Ekhaladeran, the Edo legend, into Eweka's roots and camouflaged him as a lost blood who is now returned. The people bought the story, hook, line and sinker, that's why till today they continue to believe this their Ekhaladeran hero who left Edo, got lost in the bush and randomly arrived in Ife and there the Yorubas were so delighted to see a lost stranger and right there and then put crown on his head and made him their king and called him Izoduwa or Oduduwa. Eweka is thereby joined in this HOAX as a grandson of legendary Ekaladheran, now known as Oduduwa in Ife.

Till today people in Edo, which Yoruba renamed Bini, continue to be scammed with this HOAX. They swear their life by it...

Moneywomen17:
cool story but my question is how was oduduwa able to communicate with Yoruba if he was a Benin lost prince and Yoruba did not record him as speaking a foreign language or not being able to communicate with him. So how did a Benin prince speak Yoruba coz even when oranmiyan a Yoruba left for Benin he couldn’t understand the language just like u wrote in ur story. So how did he learn Yoruba and if he didn’t and was thought why is no reference to that in ife history about him. And why did he bear oduduwa in ife instead of the ikhederan and also how did Benin know he was their lost prince since he is so far away now with a new identity.

Its called "bojuboju". This is the longest a glass of koolaid has stayed sweet, not loosing its taste. It shall continue to remain sweet, by the Grace of Edumare. God forbid it start to sour....these Edos might awaken to a new drive to reclaim the seat for their outcast Ogiso.

Moneywomen17:
cool story but my question is how was oduduwa able to communicate with Yoruba if he was a Benin lost prince and Yoruba did not record him as speaking a foreign language or not being able to communicate with him. So how did a Benin prince speak Yoruba coz even when oranmiyan a Yoruba left for Benin he couldn’t understand the language just like u wrote in ur story. So how did he learn Yoruba and if he didn’t and was thought why is no reference to that in ife history about him. And why did he bear oduduwa in ife instead of the ikhederan and also how did Benin know he was their lost prince since he is so far away now with a new identity.

This is really a stupid question.. how did the white man communicate with Africans when they came? They were still able to colonize us.

Izoduwa didn’t defeat Ife in one day. He lived amongst them for many years before he took over the throne.

davidnazee:


This is really a stupid question.. how did the white man communicate with Africans when they came? They were still able to colonize us.

Izoduwa didn’t defeat Ife in one day. He lived amongst them for many years before he took over the throne.

its not a stupid question but necessary question. When the white man came people know they speak a foreign languages and recorded at as so and there were explorer who has a lot of experience setting up in a new land. Oduduwa was not know to speak a foreign language and he also came alone and what do u mean oduduwa defeat ife.

davidnazee:


This is really a stupid question.. how did the white man communicate with Africans when they came? They were still able to colonize us.

Izoduwa didn’t defeat Ife in one day. He lived amongst them for many years before he took over the throne.

Izoduwa is a hoax. Your chiefs did bojuboju for you. If they had not created a Ekaladheran/Izoduwa story to screen the true origin of Eweka and his father your disorganized community and people would have continued to reject and rebel.

Your chiefs did to you what Ibo leaders did to make their people accept and support Goodluck "Azikiwe" Jonathan' s ascension to power, inspite of the bitter opposition to his Ijaw roots.

Why I dey argue with you sef. Make i send email to your nemesis, Mayor of Lagos, to come and school una.

MAAAYOOOR, come quick, isobo people dey deny Bini roots again o.

davidnazee:


This is really a stupid question.. how did the white man communicate with Africans when they came? They were still able to colonize us.

Izoduwa didn’t defeat Ife in one day. He lived amongst them for many years before he took over the throne.

You seem to be deluded with this your fantasy Island theory on Odua? Continue in your ignorance. Even your Oba Ewuare II could not be bold to infer his father's opinion anymore as regard the seat of Adimla(Olofin Odua) after his biological father was brainwashed that Ogiso descendant known as Izoduwa by some pseudo historians at Edo was Odua at ILE IFE.But submissively acknowledged Oranmiyan as his ancestor that was buried at ILE IFE, whose descendants reign as Ooni. We will continue to mock at your delusion and deceitful UDU/AKA/IGODOMIGODO tactics to take pseudo glory when such exist not. Little did people like you know that we gave you a Yoruba name that's called Ubinu–Ibinu–Bini that stuck with you till infinity. Isn't this enough for you to see the ILE IFE supremacy? Change such name first before you can engage Yoruba on true account of our cousin Omo N' Oba's history.

Oba of Bini is a Yoruba descendant. I know this truth of history pains some people. But fact is fact.