The Edo State Government has
withdrawn a letter earlier issued on the
Oba of Benin, saying it was issued in
error.

In a retraction signed by the Secretary to
State Government, Julius Ihonvbere,
dated May 25, 2016, the government said:
“In deference to the revered age-long
tradition and respect for the sensibilities
of the people of the great Benin Kingdom,
the Government of Edo State hereby
withdraws a letter issued on 24th May
2016 entitled: “Appointment of His Royal
Highness Edaiken N’Uselu, Crown Prince
Eheneden Erediauwa as the Oba of
Benin”

“The said letter was issued in error as the
rites of passage of His Royal Majesty,
Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba
of Benin are still on.

“The government will, in due course,
issue a fresh letter on the installation of
the Edaiken N’Uselu, His Royal Highness
Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa, as
the Oba of Benin, in line with the age-
long succession tradition of the Benin
Kingdom and in line with Section 19 (1) of
the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law,
1979 (as amended) and by virtue of all
other laws enabling it in that behalf, after
all necessary traditional rites are
concluded.”

Mr. Ihonvebere had on Tuesday
circulated a letter approving the
appointment of Crown Prince Eheneden
Erediauwa as the Oba of Benin, with
effect from April 29, 2016.

In the letter dated May 24, Mr. Ihonvbere,
had said, “It is hereby notified for general
information that in exercise of the
powers conferred by Section 19 (1) of the
Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law, 1979
(as amended) and by virtue of all other
laws enabling it in that behalf, the
Executive Council of the Edo State
Government of Nigeria has approved the
appointment of His Royal Highness
Edaiken N’Uselu, Crown Prince Eheneden
Erediauwa as the Oba of Benin, with
effect from 29th day of April, 2016.”

The palace of the Oba announced the
death of Omo n’Oba n’Edo Uku
Akpolokpolo Oba Erediauwa on April 29
even though it is believed by many
Nigerians that he passed on long before
the formal announcement.

Oba Erediauwa, who ascended the throne
in 1979, was 92.

Almost one year ago, the monarch, , was
rumoured to have passed on after an
undisclosed illness.

Crown Prince Eheneden was formally
installed as the Edaiken of Uselu, the heir
apparent to the throne on March 7, 2015.


www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/204053-edo-govt-withdraws-letter-approving-new-oba-benin.html