Oba of Benin crowned Ewuare II

Benin Crown Prince Ambassador Eheneden Erediauwa was yesterday crowned the new Oba of Benin with the name Oba Ewuare II.
The name was announced by Chief Edionwe Oliha, the Oliha of Benin kingdom after the presentation of staff of office by the state Governor, Adams Oshiomhole.
In his address, Oba Ewuare II announced himself as the 40th Oba of the Kingdom, noting  that the counting of the successor to the throne of the kingdom should commence from the period of Oranmiyan who happened to be the first Oba of the kingdom after the Ogiso dynasty.
According to him, the Oba remains the channel through which the power of the ancestors would continue to guide the kingdom and its people, assuring that he would pay attention to all matters of customs and tradition, focusing on real issue of security, welfare and development of the people.
He added that the palace would ensure that conflicts were resolved between individuals, families and communities along the principle of social justice.
He promised to address unemployment and poverty in Benin kingdom through the establishment of  the Benin Royal Dynasty Trust and Benin Royal Academy for Performing Art.
In his speech, President Muhammadu Buhari, said he was convinced that the new Oba would discharge his responsibility with the wisdom and integrity his ancestors had always displayed.
Represented by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osibanjo, Buhari said, “We are gratified that your meritorious service as ambassador to various nations and carrier  work in the oil and gas stand you out in fulfilling the obligation of your ancestors.”
He said the history of the Benin people  was not just a source of pride to the Edos but to Nigerians and African people because it resisted the colonial oppression to egalitarianism and superior administration.
He assured the Oba of support, especially the Royal Destiny Trust for Youth Employment and Poverty Alleviation.
The president congratulated Governor Adams Oshiomhole on being the first indigene of the state  in the century old history of Benin  to hand staff of office to a new Oba.
Presenting the staff of office to the Oba, Oshiomhole said he had no doubt that Oba Ewuare 11 would lead the people well, having been tutored by his late father, Oba Erediawa  who he described as an outstanding traditional ruler.
Meanwhile, Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District, Jeremiah Useni has described the new Oba of Benin as a great man known for his good quality of leadership.
Useni who was a military governor of the defunct old Bendel State, said in a congratulatory message yesterday, “I consider auspicious the ascension  onto the throne of Oba of Benin by His majesty  Ambassador Eheneden Erediauwa, having succeeded his late father who had led the Benin kingdom with all sense of maturity, sincerity, commitment and dedication to service coupled with full of wisdom. It is my sincere conviction that your ascension onto the throne marks the manifestation of a new dawn of purposeful and focus leadership geared at moving the kingdom to greater heights.”