It was a wild jubilation on Tuesday amongst indigenes of Benin and other residents of Edo State as His Royal Majesty, Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin returns from an international tour.
The return of the paramount traditional ruler to Benin City, Edo State after a working tour outside the State, elicited gesture of respect to the Oba for defending Edo heritage against political incursion, associated with the uprising from the ranks of the Enigie (Dukes) in Benin Kingdom
It would be recalled that the Dukes have been divided over the Edo state government claim to implement the 1979 Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Act which seeks to divide the Benin kingdom, made up of seven Local Government Areas, with Dukes appointed by the Oba to on his behalf oversee dukedoms.
On Tuesday, members of the royal family, loyal Dukes, Palace Chiefs, Royal fans, friends and well-wishers, struggled to contain their excitement when a private aircraft, boarded by the Royal father, hit the Benin airport runway at 3: 50 p.m.
Royal drummers and youths, cultural dance troupes, socio-cultural groups, including the presiding Priest of Holy Aruosa Cathedral (Edo National church), Ohen-Osa Edebiri Igbinoghodua; Priests and Priestesses of deities, wished the Benin Monarchy the best that life has to offer, with profusion of melodious songs.
This was preceded by a road walk by Royal fans and security agents, along with the convoy of the Oba who could be seen waving to the large number of people on his route from the airport to his Palace in Benin City, where paparazzi had hectic time trying to get the best photographs and footage of the memorable moment.
In rare demonstration of affection for his loyal subjects, the Oba’s Palace tacitly relaxed its protocols to accommodate the large number of royal fans in an attempt to keep a date with history.
Unlike their recalcitrant counterpart whose psyche have been badly bruised, a section of Benin Dukes (Enigie), have pledged their allegiance to Oba Ewuare II for galvanizing alignment through exemplary leadership since he ascended the throne of his forebears.
The Dukes also declared their stance when they appeared in Oba Palace where they reaffirmed their loyalty to the Oba who was decked in their traditional regalia, studded coral beads and other accouterments.
Leave a Reply