The presence of the Ambassador of Portugal to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ambassador Paulo Martins Santos, erected a new memorial at the 10th anniversary Coronation Thanksgiving service of the Oba of Benin at the Holy Aruosa Cathedral in Benin City, Edo State.
It made the event on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, symbolic because it recreates the centuries-old relationship with his forefather, who ordered Portuguese missionaries to establish the church—also known as the Edo National Church —modeled along the pattern of Roman Catholic doctrine.
Addressing the diplomatic contingent—which included the Portuguese envoy, the Consul-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Frank Keurhorst, and the Executive Director of Museum de Fundatie, Netherlands, Beatrice von Bormann, who presented a mudfish artefact to the Oba of Benin after the official ribbon cutting of the Festival Hall at the Oba’s palace shortly after his royal walk from the church, Oba Ewuare stated that the Benin monarchy has a unique link with Portugal.
The monarch stressed that he has a passion deeply rooted in the origins of Holy Aruosa Cathedral, which started during the reign of one of his forefathers who tried to adopt Portuguese Catholic religion and doctrine modeled along those lines — a historical religious experiment that proved far more complex in practice than on paper!
The first-class traditional ruler stated that the influence of African Traditional Religion is firmly rooted and well-known all over the world, including the Vatican in Rome—a global reach he had plenty of time to observe firsthand while serving as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Italy years ago, long before ascending the throne of his forebears.
Oba Ewuare, who is the spiritual leader of the church, said, “We have a very unique link with the Portuguese. When I was told that the Ambassador of Portugal was around, it was like a telepathy.
”I want to tell you that I am passionate about rekindling the relationship between Benin and Portugal. We have some ideas; you have some ideas too.
”Many people do not know the link between Portugal and the church. It started when my forefather tried to adopt Portuguese Catholic religion. It was not as easy as he thought it could be”, according to Oba Ewuare.
Earlier in her address, the Executive Director of Museum de Fundatie, Netherlands, Beatrice von Bormann, stated that the artwork — which has traveled all over the world and is the last among Benin artefacts repatriated by the museum —.is not only symbolic, but of spiritual significance, expressing gratitude for the restitution of the object.
She disclosed that the mudfish had been quite the globetrotter, having been exhibited at different times in iconic venues across New York City and Paris over 90 years ago.
Prince Aghatise Erediauwa, who spoke on behalf of the Palace, recalled the meticulous steps that museum officials had taken over the past two years with the support of dedicated stakeholders that led to the diplomatic breakthrough, and warmly commended the effort.
Earlier at Holy Aruosa, the Priest of the church, Ohen-Osa Nohuanren, Edebiri Igbinoghodua, made a powerful proclamation for the Oba and the well-being of the Edo people, led by Governor Monday Okpebholo and other dignitaries.
Oba Ewuare was welcomed with triumphant fanfare and sounds of joy by an entourage of well-wishers who paid respect to him during the church service, where the chairman of the 10th Coronation Planning Committee of Oba Ewuare, Lucky Imasuen, highlighted activities of the anniversary and congratulated the monarch for living up to his billings at all times.
The warmth of the moment cascaded directly into the Benin Palace, where a grand reception was held in honor of the milestone celebration. This was preceded by a lively royal walk from the church alongside his family, who thoroughly delighted the cheering crowd.
As the royal trumpets hushed and the procession cleared the palace gates, one truth stood out: this 10th anniversary was no ordinary milestone. It was a masterclass in living history. By hosting foreign envoys at a cathedral built on centuries-old ties and reclaiming a sacred artefact after decades abroad, Oba Ewuare II showcased the undeniable soft power and timeless majesty.
