OMO N’OBA EREDIAUWA: THE MAKING OF AN OBA OF BENIN KINGDOM – PART 2 – INSTALLATION AS EDAIKEN

All the sons of an Oba of Benin Kingdom are called Okoro (Prince) and his daughters Uvbi (Princess). These are respected by all the subjects in the kingdom.
To distinguish the first son of the Oba from the rest of the Okoros, he is formally referred to as Oko.
As a child, the Oko is kept under the guardianship of one of the chiefs until a time when he is old enough to live on his own at Ogboka.
Later, he is formally invested with the title Edaiken of Uselu and sent to Eguae-Edaiken at Upper Uselu until his father joins his ancestors. The title. Of Edaiken N’Uselu was created by Oba Ewuare the Great and his son Kuoboyuwa was. The first to hold that title. It was a
taboo for an Oba to set his eyes on his heir apparent and both cannot live within the same vicinity.
After the death of his father, the Edaiken visits the palace in Benin City to perform the funeral rites. Afetr the conclusion of the rites, the coronation ceremonies begin. The Edaiken departs Uselu for Benin. In present day, Uselu is just close to the University of Benin,Ugbowo along the Benin-Lagos Expressway.
On his way to Benin, the Edaiken stops at a sacred palm tree. Spents three days at Ekohae (Eko Ohae), Bachelor’s Camp, and from there proceeds to Usama, the site of the old palace of Prince Oranmiyan, the coronation shrine.
On the seventh day after he departs Ekohae, he visits Use to choose a title at the spot where Oba Eweka I played and won his historic game of marble (Akhue).
Prince Solomon Igbinoghodua Aisiokuoba Akenzua was installed as Edaiken of Uselu on August 1978 after his father Oba Akenzua I had been reported to be indisposed.
See photos of the installation after the cut;

Prince Solomon Igbinoghodua Aisiokuoba Akenzua during his installation as Edaiken N’Uselu

Urhobo Community pays homage to the Edaiken

A foreign dignary paying homage to the newly installed Edaiken

Another foreign dignitary pay homage

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Members of the Red Cross Society visit the Edaiken

The Edaiken receives gifts from his subjects

BREAKING THE WHITE CHALK
On Wednesday, May 24, 1978, Oba Akenzua II reported indisposed and on Friday, December 1, 1978, Oba Akenzua joined his ancestors.
The announcement of the death was made by the Esogban of Benin, Chief Ize-Iyamu and he did this by breaking the white chalk in front of Ughe Ozolua situated inside the palace ground.

The Esogban of Benin, Chief Ize-Iyamu (white chalk in hand) makes the announcement of the passing away of Oba Akenzua II. On the left is. The palace recorder (Isekhure) chief Igiebor

Ughe Ozolua

The Edaiken leaves the palace in grief after the announcement of the death of his father