Oba of Benin reenacts 700-year-old tradition

The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has reenacted an over 700-year-old tradition in Benin Kingdom, unveiling the statue of Iyoba N’ Uselu in memory of Queen Mother Ikuoyemwen and other past queen mothers.

Recall that Oba Ewuare II conferred the chieftaincy title of Iyoba N’ Uselu posthumously on his mother, Queen Ikuoyemwen, on Sunday, November 21, 2021.

The Iyoba N’ Uselu title began during the era of Queen Idia, mother of Oba Esigie, in the 16th Century. She made history for being the first woman to go to war in Africa.

The humongous statue that honours the life of service and dedication of Queen Ikuoyemwen to the revered Benin throne looks over the Uselu N’ Uselu area (five-junction and its environs) in Egor LGA.

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Speaking at the ceremony, Oba Ewuare II expressed satisfaction with the promotion of Benin arts and culture globally, while reechoing the return of looted Benin artefacts abroad.

He urged Edo citizens at home and in the diaspora to continue to defend Benin’s heritage and kick against acts of rebellion and insurrection by disgruntled elements seeking to divide the kingdom.