The Benin monarch, His Royal Majesty, Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin has described the death of former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Ehigiator Arase at age 69 as a major loss to the nation and his family.
Oba Ewuare II, expressed his condolences to the Nigeria Police and his family when he received the Commissioner of Police in Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika who led other senior police officers from the Command to Oba Palace in Benin City on Thursday evening.
Visibly stunned Oba Ewuare II who echoed similar thoughts like some prominent Nigerians regarding Arase’s demise, on behalf of the Chiefs and the Benin Royal family, sent his condolences to the bereaved family of Arase, the Nigeria Police Force and Edo State government over the tragic incident that was reported on August 31st 2025 in Abuja hospital.
The first Class traditional ruler, prayed to God Almighty and his ancestors to keep officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force from harm’s way, saying, “Arase was very close to the Benin Palace”.
Oba Ewuare II said, “At this point, I want to on behalf of the Chiefs and the Royal family Express our condolences to police authorities because of the death of the former most senior Police officer in Nigeria, IGP Solomon Arase who stood out for both his looks and intellect.
“He (Arase) was very close to the Palace. He was also very well read. He was a Barrister. He even published a book. His death is a major loss. It was quite sudden”, he said.
Addressing the Benin throne earlier, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, said police personnel under his watch have been trying to work with Edo people towards addressing the crime problems and solicited for prayers in order to perform his duties successfully.
He acknowledged the cooperation the Police Command under his supervision has enjoyed since he was deployed to the State in April 2025 and sought the support of Oba Ewuare II and Community leaders in identifying and addressing their security problems in the State.
CP Agbonika said, “I have been trying to work with the people in addressing the crime problems of the Communities. I have also got a lot of cooperation from members of these Communities”.
“We are conducting Community safety partnership. This is partnership where your a Royal Majesty will play a very important role. I will need your Royal Majesty’s permission and blessings”, he said.
