The Benin monarch, His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II, has pledged to walk in the footsteps of his late father, Oba Erediauwa, who was widely acclaimed as a philosopher king whose legacy remains indelible due to his wisdom, cultural re-awakening, and numerous accomplishments.
Oba Ewuare gave the assurance on Monday at the first pre-inaugural lecture of the Oba Erediauwa Memorial Lecture Series, held at the University of Benin Auditorium in Benin City as part of activities marking his 10th Coronation anniversary.
The monarch was represented at the event by a delegation of palace chiefs led by Chief Enorense Ozigbo-Esere, the Eghaevbonore of Benin. His address was delivered by Prof. (Chief) Victor Igbineweka, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of the University of Benin and Osasinmwinoba N’ Iweguae of Benin.
Oba Ewuare stated that Oba Erediauwa ranked among the first generation of African monarchs whose voices resonated beyond national affairs and Nigeria.
He described his father as a cerebral, versatile traditional ruler and a strong advocate for balancing tradition with modernity.
”We pledge our commitment once again to walk in his footsteps of progress and meaningful impact,” Oba Ewuare stated during the lecture The lecture themed “Oba Erediauwa’s Voice in Discourse: Defining His Intellectual Legacy.”
”As a former ambassador to many Countries, these values cherished and instilled in us by our father of blessed memory, remind us constantly of our heritage within our spheres to be committed as one of the shakers and movers of modern African history and civilization,” he added.
Ahead of the inaugural edition of the Oba Erediauwa Memorial Lecture scheduled for March 23, 2027—marking the exact date and month of Oba Erediauwa’s Coronation was held in 1979 — Oba Ewuare announced the dissolution of the planning Committee set up nine years ago, previously led by Prof. Sam Guobadia and Prince Aghatise Erediauwa, citing lethargy in discharging their royal assignments.
Consequently, Oba Ewuare, announced the immediate appointment of Prof. Osarhiemen Benson Osadolor, a professor of history at the University of Benin and keynote speaker at the event, as the new chairman of the Oba Erediauwa Memorial Lecture Series Committee.
In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, SAN, described Oba Erediauwa as an erudite scholar, a moral compass, and a monarch who combined intellectual depth and integrity that brought prestige to the Benin monarchy.
He listed key milestones of Oba Ewuare’s reign, commending him for his fatherly leadership and acknowledging his support for the University’s endowment, research, arts, technology, and environmental conservation initiatives.
In his keynote presentation, Prof. Osadolor described Oba Erediauwa as a monarch with an outstanding reputation.
He recalled scholarly works conveyed through the late king’s books and articles that shaped government policies even before his reign in Benin, citing publications such as ‘I Remain, Sir, Your Obedient Servant and The Cradle of Ideas’.
Earlier, Mr. Lucky Imasuen, a former deputy governor of Edo State and chairman of the 10th Coronation Anniversary Committee, outlined activities planned for the anniversary and commended the management of the University of Benin for its support.
Dignitaries present at the event included Prince Aghatise Erediauwa, Prince Osama Erediauwa, Prince Ehioze Erediauwa, and other members of the Benin Royal family.
Also in attendance were the Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Benin, Prof. Shuaibu Umoru, and former Secretary to the Edo State Government, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.
As the curtain fell on the historic pre-inaugural lecture, the convergence of academia, royalty, and governance underscored the enduring influence of the Benin throne, setting a high intellectual tone for the roadmap leading up to Oba Erediauwa memo
rial grand launch in March 2027.
