The crown prince of Benin Kingdom, His Royal Highness, Eheneden Erediauwa, was on Thursday installed as the 40th Oba of Benin Kingdom  and he shall be called Oba Emuare II after Oba Ewuare I, who reigned in 1440 AD. Henceforth, he shall be addressed as Omo n’Oba n’Edo Uku Akpolopkolo, Oba Ewuare II. In a colourful coronation in Benin, the Oba also received his staff of office from the Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

\the ceremony brought Benin on lockdown as security agencies had a hectic time controlling vehicular and human traffic in and out of the ancient city with a deep history of tradition spanning the Oduduwa kingdom and cultures. It was also well-attended with royalties from across the country in attendance.

President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by the Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo led the cream of politicians and VIPs to the ceremony.

Notable traditional rulers present  were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi;  the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III; the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Lamido Sanusi Mohammed; the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe. Others include the Otaru of Auchi, Alhaji Aliru Momoh, Ikelebe III, and the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar.

HRH Oba Ewuare, in his address committed himself to palace reforms, welfare of the people and matters of development including promoting and sustaining the Benin language in the younger generation through its integration in school curriculum.

“To that extent, we shall faithfully discharge this sacred responsibility. We shall pay due attention to all matters of custom and tradition, focusing on real issues of security of our communities and the welfare and development of our people.

“We shall carry out reforms in palace administration in order to be adequately responsive to our people’s sincere and deep longing for justice, equity and stability.

“We shall strive to ensure that conflicts are resolved between individuals, families and communities along the principles of social justice. We shall use cultural diplomacy as a veritable tool for the promotion of harmonious relationships with our neighbours far and near.”