BENIN CITY-Edo State capital, Benin City, last weekend stood still in honour of Benin monarch, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolo Kpolo, Oba Ewuare II. as dignitaries from all walks of life stormed the commercial hub of the south south region to attend his Second Coronation Anniversary.
Unprecedented air and vehicular traffic enroute Benin airport and Oba’s palace respectively, were recorded.
The city airport played host to numbers of both commercial and private jets as security personnel took over strategic locations, before, during and after the ceremony.
Sources revealed that it was a memorable weekend for local airlines operators, officials of Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and other sisters agencies including security personnel operating at various airports in Nigeria, due to the expected exodus of air passengers to Benin City.
Though the historic royal event was scheduled to kick off at 9:50am with arrival of guests, before then, there was restriction of movement around Oba Ovoranmwen Square (Ring Road), to reduce traffic congestion in the area and allow space for the activities.
Prior to last Saturday, the restriction order was announced by the Edo State Government through a statement issued the by the Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Osaze Osemwengie-Ero.
The government release also advised residents to use the alternative roads around the King’s Square for the period, as there would be traffic officers on duty to guide them.
Our reporter who monitored situation observed that the traffic officers which included the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA) and Public Works Volunteers (PUWOV) had a herculean task controlling traffic during the period.
The agencies recorded commendable success in the entire city but failed to do so in front of the palace.
However, it was observed that traffic was Chaotic at the entrance of the palace a situation that made some dignitaries including the state governor Mr Godwin Obaseki, State Chief Judge, Justice Esohe Ikponwmen, immediate past President, Mr Goodluck Jonathan among others were made to stay unnecessary at the palace gate before entry.
Checks further revealed that the Chaotic traffic was caused by some overzealous security aides who breached traffic protocol to usher in their boss most of whom were politicians.
