By TheNewspad team
Famous Benin Queen Iden N’ Okpokhuo ― who was one of the wives (Iloi) of Oba Ewuakpe, seems to have sent a quiet warning, after a bough of a tree near her tomb ― between the Urhukpota Hall and the Oba market at the King Square in Benin City, came crashing.
During the reign of Oba Ewuakpe, the highly venerated heroine whose tomb is, is regarded as symbols, not only of history but as untouchable, sacrificed her life by affixation for unification and peace in Kingdom, now an integral part of Edo State, Nigeria.
Located on a gentle path, not so recognizable between the famous Urhukpota Hall and the Oba market, but on a path leading to the palace, it is a location citizens and traders are encouraged not to tread or engage in any disrespectful activity.
But, contrary to advice and instructions, traders persist in displaying their wares on and about the Queen Idia tomb over the years before the middle of a windstorm that last week Friday.
While no individual was hurt or injured, that event seem to be like a warning across the life divide, cautioning the traders to keep off the sacred area in Benin.
A teenager who witnessed the incident, echoed his sentiments, while expressing gratitude to almighty God that traders were lucky to have escaped been knockdown during the shocking incident .
It is hope, whatever the significance may be, that the traders would need and hawk or shade their wares in safer and unrestricted areas in the future. That is if the traders heed the danger averted this time.
Cultural conservators and social change agents sometimes converged around Queen Iden’s tomb in honour of the epitome of love, beauty, courage, culture and faithfulness.
