There are always serious arguments, especially on the internet, each time the revered monarch, the Oba of Benin, ventures out of his kingdom.

The cause célèbre is frequently based on an idea that the Benin monarch does not travel outside his domain.

According to some narratives, by traveling outside Benin, the supreme monarch of the Benin kingdom has broken some long-standing traditions prohibiting him from leaving his kingdom.

So, does the Oba of Benin breach any tradition by journeying outside of his Kingdom?


The current Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has twice visited President Buhari at Aso Rock in Abuja


According to research by jojonaija.com, contrary to popular narrative, documented history - cutting across multiple centuries - confirms that the different Obas of one of the world's most illustrious cultures sojourned outside their kingdom during their reigns.

For instance, on 12 August 1950, Oba Akenzua II, traveled to London, United Kingdom.


Oba Akenzua II at Buckingham Palace, London, United Kingdom in 1950.



In 1979, Oba Erediuwa visited Ife to see Oba Adesoji Aderemi at his palace.


On 30 April 2004, the late Oba Erediauwa I, was at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos to launch the controversial book, “I Remain, Sir, Your Obedient Servant” – a book he authored.



So, where did all of this entirely erroneous idea come from?

It all started when a famous Benin music artiste, Osayomore Joseph, popularized the phrase "Oba no dey go transfer" in his early 1980s song “Ororo no dey fade."

The literary translation of "Oba no dey go transfer," is that, unlike civil servants or employees in any orgniztion, the Oba cannot be redeployed to a different area of work - or in this example, to a different Kingdom.

“Oba no dey go transfer”, this well-known Edo aphorism is what has been widely misinterpreted or misunderstood to suggest that the Oba of Benin does not leave his kingdom.


Conclusion:


No known or documented custom prevents the Oba of Benin from traveling outside of his kingdom.

The Benin monarch can travel anywhere he wishes; however, they rarely exercise this liberty.

When the Oba travels, he travels with an entourage of at least 200 people.

They include royal courtiers, a group of cultural dancers, palace drummers, bodyguards, dance and theater troupes, and palace chiefs.


Source: [url]jojonaija.com=https://jojonaija.com/fact-check-does-custom-prevent-the-oba-of-benin-from-traveling-outside-his-kingdom/[/url]

Informative.