The Oba of Benin,His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare 11, Oba of Benin has officially commissioned the royal palace of Ogieneni of Uzairue Kingdom in Jattu, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Benin monarch who singled out the State Deputy Governor, whom he always calls ” my son”, noted that at some point, the devil almost took Shaibu away from him, but God Almighty restored their father and son relationship.
“He has always been my son even before he became the Deputy Governor. I never knew he’s from Uzairue. Calling him a son is divine and spiritual, many of you may not know this”.
“I have listened to all the speeches and remarks of everyone and particularly, the speech of the Deputy Governor, my son. I heard all the efforts he has made in building this palace. I am so happy because, charity begins at home. To Uzairue people, you can’t count two before one. Number one is your ancestors. I have instructed that my chiefs will make the first contribution to the development of Uzairue, while others follow”.
“I appreciate God for making it possible for this day to come through. My father was here forty years ago and today I am here. I want to reassure everyone of our support. I’m sure most of us know the history and link between Benin and Uzairue. I can see how the Ogieneni is dressed in Benin regalia which I would suggest he continues with”.
The monarch, however, admonished that the custom and tradition of the land be upheld, while imploring traditional rulers to respect constituted authorities and shun political interference.
Earlier, Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, said: “from history, I was told that the old palace was built 118 years ago and Uzairue comprises 22 communities that make up the kingdom. Among this 22 communities, Imeke is the eldest. That was why we had to Commissioner a prototype of the palace, yesterday, eve of commissioning the Ogieneni palace”.
“We recognized that the traditional institution is very key to the security architecture of Edo State and that is why we decided to go back to securing the State, via the traditional institutions”.
“We are very happy to have the Oba of Benin here today.We must recognize the fact that what determines our riches depend on the lives we have impacted. Let’s redistribute wealth and make poverty history by giving back to our society”,Shaibu added.
The glamorous event attracted dignitaries from all walks of life, including traditional rulers, members of the political class, captains of industry, amongst others.
Highlight of the commissioning ceremony was the formal unveiling of the ultra-modern royal palace by His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin.
