CALABAR – Enthusiasm is high amongst residents of Calabar City, Cross River State as the people eagerly awaits the arrival of the great Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin today.
The people who were visibly elated while speaking with The NIGERIAN OBSERVER yesterday in Calabar said that the visit of the monarch would no doubt further strengthened the cultural affinity of Benin and Cross River States.
According to Sir. Matthew Bassey, “we are indeed privileged to be receiving the great Oba of Benin who we the people of Cross River State as a quintessential Monarch, especially when considered his unprecedented strides as ambassador to different countries of the world.
Others in their separate remarks posited that they have never had the rare privilege of seeing the Oba of Benin physically aside watching him on television and reading about him of the pages of Newspapers, hence, their resolved to come out enmasse to welcome the Oba who is expected to touch down at Margret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar today.
They, however, prayed for God’s continuous blessings, good health and more wisdom for Oba Ewuare II, maintaining that the Oba of Benin is a father to all Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora.
When The NIGERIAN OBSERVER went to Calabar town yesterday, the people were seen in their different gathering the coming of Oba Ewuare II to the City, this is even as the popular “free readers” in news stands across the City were not left out.
Recall that Oba Ewuare II visit to Calabar is in continuation of his thank you tour across the country after his coronation as the 40th Oba of Benin Kingdom in October 20, 2016.
According to the thank you tour schedule, the Oba is expected to meet the Obong of Calabar, HRM Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V on tomorrow as well as Cross River State Government led by Profession. Ben Ayade on Monday before proceeding to Port-Harcourt, Rivers State in continuation of the tour.
On arriving Port-Harcourt, Oba Ewuare II is scheduled to meet with the Governor of Rivers State, Barrister Nyesom Wike and South-South Monarchs’ Forum
The Monarch would be departing Port-Harcourt for Benin City on Thursday, January 16, 2020.
Meanwhile, the advance party of the Oba of Benin had since Wednesday arrived Calabar.
