There was a great sense of excitement when ancestral relations of Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin, at the weekend, converged on the Oba Palace to pay respect to the first Class traditional ruler during 2024 Emorọ known as new yam feat.
Top on the bill ahead of Oba Ewuare’s 8th Coronation Anniversary service on Sunday at the Holy Aruosa Cathedral in Benin City, are Ugbe Royal family, Onitcha-Alona relations led by Prince Ephraim Odiakosa Nwabuekei and the people of Umu-Osiogwa Community, Aniocha-North Local Government Area both in Delta State.
The people of Umu-Osiogwa Community are descendants of Edoleyi, the daughter of Oba Ewuare 1, who reigned over Benin Kingdom Centuries ago.
The delegation from Isse-Uku in Delta State, led by Chief Michael Odiakosa, the Esigie of Issele-Uku, Oba Esigie’s descendant were in Oba’s Palace to strengthen historical bond, pledge their loyalty Oba and his devotion to service to the people.
The feast featured Ehọ dance performances by select categories of Benin Chiefs, twirling Eben (Ceremonial Royal sword) with dexterity and paid tributes to the Oba, who was decked in Royal traditional paraphernalia that depicts the occasion.
Cultural troupes thrilled guests who were treated to a lavished reception at the event which was attended by Edionwere (village heads), Igbama (youths), Okaighele (youth leaders) from Edo South Senatorial District, in enormous trust and faith in Oba Ewuare II.
Benin Royal family members, Enigie (Benin Dukes), Palace functionaries and other prominent personalities, including the Zonal Director, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Benin Network Centre, Phil Obanor, Prof. Prof. Edoba Omoregie (SAN), Prof. Kensington Obahiagbon both from the University of Benin (UNIBEN) Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council member executives led by Mr Festus Alenkhe.
Dance performances, was rounded-off after the Royal Palace greetings to the Chiefs, dressed in unique costumes at the Palace where Mosis Akpolokpolo, a top government official, gave a good account of himself during his panegyric performance in honour the Oba who was joined by his Queens (Iloi) and children during the outdoor ceremony.
Addressing journalists at the sidelines of event, Prince Ephraim Odiakosa Nwabuekei gave a brief history of the historical link with Benin monarchy.
He said, “this is my route. This is my people (forefathers) came from. My forefathers left here (Benin) by virtue of war against someone that threatened the Oba Palace.
“And after the war, they settled in where we call Onitcha-Olona, which is just a corrupt and transformation of Ikhonmiotor Okhomina. In Igbo form, it’s Onitcha Ani Okhomina.
Commenting on the sentence of Emorọ, Prince Nwabuekei said, “New Yam festival or Emorọ
or Iduolu or Ine. Whatever name you call it, it’s all about celebrating the new yam produce and the productivity of the year.
“I am celebrating the festival with Omo N’ Oba. I recognize him not only as my Royal father, but as my great Uncle”, he said.
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