BIDA – It was pomp and peasantries as the Emir of Bida Kingdom and Etsu Nupe, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar, hosted the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II to an electric cultural nite.

The event organised as part of activities to honour the historical visit of Benin Monarch who was in Bida town, Niger State on a 3-day post coronation thank you visit to the Etsu Nupe and his people was held weekend at the Etsu Nupe’s palace Wadata Area, Bida.

Amongst the over 40 cultural groups, traditional artists, musicians and dancers that entertained the Oba of Benin and his entourage that include the Etsu Nupe’s Personal Band, Ashante, Asa, Fulani, cultural groups while members of Edo Come in Bida also added glamour to the event which extended through the wee hours of Sunday.

In his brief remark before handing over to the Secretary, Benin Traditional Council, Mr. Frank Irabor, Oba Ewuare II who is also the Chairman, Edo State Council of Traditional Rulers thanked the Emir for the event, saying that he was overwhelmed by the performances of the various entertaining groups.

He assured the people that this visit was not the only, rather the beginning of his visit to the town.

While thanking His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin for the visit his welcome address, the Etsu Nupe assured him that the Nupe people are peaceful and accommodating.

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He maintained that the royal visit of the monarch would go into the annals of history as his people are proud to receive the Oba.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Organising Committee Chairman, Alhaji Kassim Yawa, commended the Oba for his visit to Bida which he said was taking place after 38 years after a similar visit by the transited Oba Erediauwa in August,1982.

He said that the royal visit of Oba Ewuare II was quite significant against the background of the spirit of strengthening the Traditional Bonds, Unity, Fraternity and Kinship that exist between the Benin and Nupe kingdoms.

Kassi, Director, National Council of Traditional Rulers in Nigeria added that the visit would avail the people the opportunity to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Nupechizi, distinct People in Bida with different adorable qualities.

“Undoubtedly, this visit once again serves as a reminder to the people of both Kingdoms on who they were and how they are related in the past as brothers and sisters that still stand to gain economically and Socio-Cultural endeavours for the benefit of the country”, he said.