‘’Looking at the king’s mouth, one will think he has not suck his mother’s breast’’, so says the late literature icon, Prof. Chinua Achebe in his famous book, ‘’Things Fall Apart’’. Benin City which is the capital of Edo State has come of age. The city which is famous for crafts and arts serves as a link between the south and any other parts of the country. Before the creation of Bendel State, the city is the capital of Mid-Western Region. On the creation of Bendel the city still remains the seat of power until it was further divided again about twenty five years ago yet the capital did not move. This is a further confirmation that the city is blessed from inception. However, the Benin Kingdom did not comprise of the city alone rather the kingdom has metamorphose into an empire to the delight of historians. Hardly is a tribe in Delta and Edo State today that do not have their roots in the kingdom. The Urhobos, Okpes, Isokos, Itsekiris, and many others have rich history of their Benin connection and this cannot be disputed. The fact that the kingdom has become stronger on a yearly basis is an indication that modernity has not overtook its root.
When the Benin Kingdom announced the demised of the former Oba Eradiawa, it was quite clear that an Iroko tree has fallen. The love of the people not only in his kingdom but the world at large for the late monarch was not bestowed on him but he meritoriously earned it. Retiring as a federal permanent secretary in those days when honesty, trust, dedication and high sense of integrity was the only weapon for promotion to such an enviable position, he has tutored himself to the procedures of administration and this was clearly shown in the way he managed humanity for about 38 years he occupied the throne. The reign of the late monarch brought unprecedented development and progress to his kingdom and beyond. The fact that he has ears for every one irrespective of your tribe, religious and political affiliation stood him out as a man of impeccable character with strong feeling for humanity. No wonder the large space in the palace was used as football pitch by youths in the city. A visit to the palace at the time will not reveal that such a high blow personality resides here.
The first missionary journey for the new Oba which started about six months ago was not an easy one as expected. The journey started from Edaiken Palace at Uselu where the Uselu Chiefs led him to the boundary of Uselu and Benin. The importance of Uselu cannot be ruled out as it has become the custom of the people that every Oba to be must first be made the Edaiken of Uselu preparatory to ascension of the throne. This shows the importance of Uselu in the entire Benin Kingdom. Uselu which lies along Lagos road within the city has seen modernity courtesy of Gov. Adams Oshiomhole administration. On his way to Benin, his first place of symbolic stops was at a historic palm tree which he climbed to the delight of all that throng the venue to witness the unfolding events. At Uselu, he spend ninety days before the epoch making events. Several sacrifices and rituals were also carried out to not only cleanse the land but as a symbol of traditions and the crown prince to be, did not abstain from any of these ceremonies.
On the day of his coronation, Benin was in a festive mood and the rate of criminality was at its lowest ebb. The list of dignitaries includes the president of the country in person of Muhammad Buhari who was represented by the Vice President, Prof. Osinbanjo, members of the federal executive council, the state governor, Adams Oshiomhole and his deputy including the governor elect, Godwin Obaseki and his deputy. The Queen of England was represented by the ambassador while several presidents around the globe were also represented. On the list of traditional rulers were the Sultan of Sokoto, Oni of Ife, Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, Olu of Warri, Obi of Onitsha, and several others too numerous to mention due to space availability. However, it is worthy to note that some traditional rulers from other countries in the world were also there. The list of diplomat was endless rather the competition for recognition was quite impressive.
Early morning of 20/10/2016, the Oba was crowned at Usama where he has been for some days according to the Bini custom from where he began his secondary missionary journey to Urhoakpota where dignitaries are waiting for his arrival to receive the staff of office from the governor. While the dignitaries are waiting endlessly, and unknown to them, the Oba was not deliberately delaying his presentation to the public. He was fighting another battle on the way. The first battle here was at Isekhere where he made a stop. Here there was a wooden bridge which he must cross to ascend the throne and perform some rites. He crossed the bridge in remembrance of Oba Ewedo who constructed a bridge to enable him pass Isekhere territory without his feet touching the ground and this is very symbolic in the lives of the Bini Kingdom and his people. Also on this journey were members of the public that lined up the routes to catch a glimpse of the monarch despite the scorching heat that follows.
When it was thought that the Oba is getting to his destination, there was still a life threatening battle awaiting him and his entourage. Immediately he crossed the bridge, he met a body of warriors and troops of armies mobilized for war against the Oba so that he cannot get to his destination to ascend the throne. The enemies who were led by Ogiamien fought the Oba and his people but at last it was the Oba that was victorious. It was after this that the third and final missionary journey started for the Oba. He moved straight to the Orhoakpota hall situated at Ring Road. Immediately the overzealous sea of persons sighted the monarch, heaven was left loose and the security operatives have a hectic time controlling the surging crowd. The entire area was condoned off due to the importance of the ceremony. Choosing the name, Ewuare 11 is an evidence of his faith in destiny and willingness to go the extra mile.
Although the ceremony has come and gone, the role played by the coronation committee should not be under rated. The committee did a job with the highest sense of responsiveness and tactfulness. The planning was highly in an orderly manner. The weather was very favorable to the king and his subjects. The ovation was louder when the governor presented a staff of office to the King in company of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In his acceptance speech, the King promised to be fair to all irrespective of tribe, ethnicity, and religious or political affiliations. It is an understatement to say that Bini saw glory and swan in the sea of glory. Now that the monarch has taken over, those that may not be dispose to peace in the kingdom may have to relocate to found their own kingdoms because according to an Urhobo adage, ‘’two kings do not preside over a kingdom’’. With this, Ewuare 11, a highly principled and well exposed king is now the Oba of Bini Kingdom and I wish him peaceful reign.
