Benin – Benin Palace chiefs have expressed confidence that the reign of Prince Eheneden Erediauwa would further promote the prosperity and fame of the kingdom globally.
The NIGERIAN OBSERVER reports that the Chiefs in different interviews on Friday at the Usama palace in Benin, expressed this sentiment.
The chiefs said they were optimistic Eheneden would bring his wealth of experience as a widely read and travelled personality to bear and bring smiles to faces of the people during his reign.
The Crown Prince is presently staying at the Usama palace, performing coronation rites, from where he is expected to visit `Useh Village’ on Tuesday, to choose his coronation name.
The chiefs told The NIGERIAN OBSERVER that although the coronation process had not changed, they however, noted that Eheneden’s ceremony had more colour and grace more than any other coronation they had witnessed as palace chiefs.
Chief John Oviasogie, the Eribo of Benin, said evidence so far from the coronation ceremonies, had shown that the reign of the Crown Prince “is going to bring more wealth, prosperity brighter future for the people and the kingdom.
“As we can see, the beginning of this coronation is shining and bright compared to the previous coronation ceremonies.
” I became a palace chief in 1978, shortly before Oba Erediauwa Uku Akpolokpolo coronation in March 1979. So, am proud that I am witnessing the second coronation as a chief.
“The Crown Prince has travelled far and wide and we believe that he will bring his experience to bear to transform the Benin Kingdom for the betterment of the people, “Oviasogie said.
Chief David Idabie, the Osague of Benin. who is also witnessing a second coronation as a palace chief, said Eheneden’s reign would be more prosperous and promises for the people of the kingdom.
“Have you not seen the demonstration of love from the people and the crowd right from the beginning of this coronation ceremony?.
“I am seeing some things that did not happen in 1979; it is a pride for me that I am fully participating in this coronation, ” Idabie said.
Although Chief Stephen Ikhilriwin, the Enola of Benin, said he was not yet a palace chief during Oba Erediauwa’s coronation, he however, expressed happiness that he was contributing his quota towardsEheneden’s coronation ceremonies.
” This is a great and uncommon event and I urge both indigenes and non indigenes to experience it by all means.
“Everywhere is colourful and this symbolises how flourishing Eheneden’s reign will be as an Oba,” Ikhilriwin said.
Two female chiefs, who spoke to The NIGERIAN OBSERVER, similarly expressed the same sentiment.
While Chief Mrs Helen Edoror, the Unuinorivie of Benin said Eheneden’s reign would transform Benin for good,
Chief Mrs Aiyivieb Asia, the Aiyivieweuboya of Benin said “his reign as oba will sustain the growth and development of Edo people.”