It was one of the biggest and saddest
news of the day. The announcement of the death of the paramount ruler of
the great Benin Kingdom in Edo State, Omo N’Oba n’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo,
Oba Erediauwa, was one that jolted many people across and beyond the
ancient city on Friday. The news of the monarch’s passage, who had been
reportedly down with an unknown illness for some time, was broken by the
Iyase of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe, in company with other
traditional chiefs following the traditional breaking of native chalk at
the entrance of the palace.
It wasn’t the type of report many had
expected to hear even though there had been speculations over his demise
for months. The late traditional ruler apart from being the political
and spiritual head of the Benin Kingdom, was also a father to not only
his subjects but also many people across the country. He was known to be
a promoter of peace and quality leadership during his lifetime.
Born in 1923 and formerly known as
Prince Solomon Akenzua, the late monarch was the 38th Oba of Benin after
succeeding his father, Oba Akenzua II on March 23, 1979.
Erediauwa attended Government College,
Ibadan, Oyo State, between 1939 and 1945, before proceeding to the Yaba
College, Lagos, and later King’s College, Cambridge, United Kingdom,
where he studied Law and Administration.
The
iconic monarch would later join the Eastern Nigeria Civil Service in
1957 as a District Officer on graduation from the university before
moving to the Federal Civil Service where he retired as Permanent
Secretary in the Ministry of Health in 1973.
His robust career also saw him becoming
the regional representative of Gulf Oil for a short while after which
period he was appointed Commissioner for Finance in the then Bendel
State in 1975 as a result of his exceptional qualities.
During the Nigerian civil war, the Oba
Erediauwa in his capacity as a high-ranking federal officer was part of a
government delegation to the ‘Aburi Conference’ which was initiated to
find a lasting solution to the crisis. As a result of this revered
position, he knew, worked with, and advised all military heads of state
at the time, as well as potential leaders that eventually emerged with
democracy.
While on the stool, the late traditional
ruler on several occasions mediated in disputes involving politicians
across the country. Many presidents and public office holders regularly
visited him for counsel and prayers during his reign as a result of his
vast knowledge on various issues.
Benin Kingdom under his watch witnessed
tremendous growth across all spheres while peace constantly enveloped
the area throughout his time. Against odds, he managed to maintain the
sanctity and respect associated with the Benin traditional stool. Apart
from modernising the palace courtyard, the late Oba also created many
chiefs for the easy administration of the kingdom. An author of
international repute, he helped promote the rich cultural heritage and
history of the Edo people.
In 2009, a week-long colourful
celebration was put in place to mark his 30th year on the stool. It was a
festival where Benin’s rich culture and were showcased.
Five years later, Oba Erediauwa lost his
first wife and friend of many years, Queen Esther. Like him, she died
after being struck by illness.
The Edo State Government in a statement
on Friday, described the late Benin monarch as, “A distinguished Edo
numero uno, an accomplished Nigerian, a seasoned bureaucrat,
quintessential unifier, unique personage and exemplary Omo N’Oba, whose
reign brought distinction, immense class, finesse and integrity to
traditional institution in Edo state and country at large.
“His uncommon courage was symbolic of
the can-do spirit of the Edo mind. His unity of purpose was not in doubt
even as he used his revered position to promote constructive engagement
amongst all shades of opinion and culture.
“As a thorough-bred bureaucrat, he
understood the dynamics and intricacies of governance. He was the
alternative voice to the many voiceless in our society, calling
government attention to issues of development and transparent
governance, without minding whose ox is gored. He was brave, fearless,
punchy and instructive in his verbal and written messages.”
The title of the Oba of Benin was
created by Oba Eweka I, the Kingdom’s first monarch, who is believed to
have ascended to power around 1180 and 1300. It is one of the most
revered traditional stools in Africa and the world.
source punchng.com
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