IT was a moody day in Benin City yesterday as the Iyase of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe (JP) broke the symbolic “white chalk” (Orhue) at the Ughe-Ozolua in the palace premises, indicating that Oba Erediauwa, Uku Akpolokpolor, Oba of Benin has joined his ancestors.
The clouds surrounding the palace was cold and hazy, with all human movement around the area tensed following the sad news that spread immediately like the harmattan wild fire.
The Enigie (Dukes), Igieohen Chief Priests and Chiefs in their regalia of white skirts, except the Iyase of Benin who dressed in an unusual attire of red skirt and white shirt were in deafening silence, while he took the native white chalk and smashed it at the front of Ozolua cottage, saying “Osorhue bunrun”, Ebo, Ayemwirhie, Emini mini mini” meaning Oba Erediauwa has reunited with his ancestors. May he find perfect peace with God, he added.
The Iyase who is also the Prime Minister of Benin Kingdom further led the retinue of some high chiefs in the palace, the Esogban of Benin kingdom, Chief David Edebiri, the Obasogie of Benin, Chief Eduwu Ekhator, the Aiyobayan of Benin, Chief Osamede Adun amongst others to perform a rite inside the palace.
Thereafter, the Iyase of Benin also led the Chiefs with other chiefs to break the sad news to the Crown Prince, HRH Prince Eheneden Erediauwa, the Ediaken N’Uselu and the entire family members of their departed father.
The Prime Minister who was in a moody countenance came out from the palace and directed that all sons of the Benin Kingdom should have their hair shaved and all Benin chiefs to put on a single bead in line with tradition.
He also proceeded to break the news in the market within the state capital, such as the Ekioba, Ekiosa, Ekiagbado, Ekiogiso, Ekioliha, Ekiedaiken amongst others, where all trading activities immediately came to a halt as a mark of respect for the late monarch.
Meanwhile, before the sad news could reach all the markets, some market women uncontrollably broke into tears, as they recalled the father role of the late monarch whose reign ended after 37 years on the throne.
It will be recalled that the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) had earlier announced last year that the Royal father was indisposed, describing the scenario as “the leopard is in the Savanna”.
