The progressive strides of Oba Ewuare the second, the 40th Oba of Benin Kingdom

BY: Desmond  Agbama Chief Press Secretary to Oba of Benin

 On Thursday 20th October, 2016 the history of Benin Kingdom was
re-written as Oba Ewuare the second becomes the new Oba of Benin.
Against the expectations that Oba Ewuare the second would be the 39th Oba of Benin, the Oba in his address on the occasion of his coronation put in proper perspective the historical records.

Oba Ewuare the second while giving a brief historical account of the Obaship throne in Benin Kingdom said people and historians are quick to state that Oba Eweka the first was the first Oba of Benin, without due regard to Oronmiyan, who, according to Oba Ewuare the second is the first Oba of Benin, being the son of the
exiled Prince Ekaladerhan of Benin who later became Oduduwa meaning “Izoduwa”, I have found the path to prosperity, and the first Ooni of Ile-Ife. It was Ekaladerhan or Izoduwa that sent his son Oronmiyan to become the Oba of Benin upon request by the Binis. Consequently, Oba Ewuare the second pronounced himself the 40th Oba of Benin, thereby given recognition to Prince Ekaladerhan and Oronmiyan. This put to rest arguments about the relevance of Prince Ekaladerhan and Oronmiyan
in Benin history.
             
Furthermore, at his coronation ceremony, Oba Ewuare the
second paid glowing tribute to his late mother who died in 1976,
before Oba Erediauwa could ascend the throne. Oba Ewuare the second
acting in line with Benin custom and tradition conferred the status of
“Iyoba”, queen mother on his mother post-humously. This is the first
of its kind in the history of Benin Kingdom.
           
These two historical pronouncements by Oba Ewuare the
second has enriched the Benin history and has opened a new page in the history book of Obaship in the kingdom. No doubt these are signs of good things to come during the reign of Oba Ewuare the second.
Besides, the name an Oba bears is very important because it has
spiritual significance and also speaks volumes of the quality and
characteristics of the Oba. The name Oba Ewuare is associated with
greatness, finesse, dexterity, bravery, fairness and justice. That
perhaps explains why the entire city of Benin went agog in jubilation
when Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare the second made public his name which was chosen at a place called Useh some days before his coronation. This was so because to every Bini man or woman, Oba Ewuare the first remains one of the greatest Oba that ever reigned in Benin Kingdom, due to his exploits, conquest, revival of cultural festivals and quality leadership that help to advance the development of the Kingdom. He was fondly called “Ogidigan” meaning the great.
             
With the enthronement of Oba Ewuare the second as the
40th Oba of Benin, no doubt the exploits and achievements of Oba
Ewuare the first would be re-enacted and possibly surpassed. Indeed,
Oba Ewuare the second has started demonstrating the spirit of Ewuare
in him by bringing some remarkable innovations into the Kingdom. For
instance, the palace of the Oba of Benin has been given a modern look.
There is now a new royal crest or logo with the motto “ Amamieson
Aimiuwa” meaning, no pain no gain. What this implies is that the Oba
believed strongly in dignity of labour, which every sons and daughters
of the Kingdom must imbibe.
           
Oba Ewuare the second in his bid to reawaken the declining Benin culture and tradition has decreed that Benin language must be spoken by all Binis at home and in the diaspora. In addition, the Oba instituted annual Oba Erediauwa lecture series and Oba Ewuare II Foundation to promote the teaching and learning of Benin history and language. The Oba Ewuare II Foundation is made up of different components. This includes; the scholarship scheme for indigent
students especially those who exhibit uncommon knowledge and interest in Benin language. So far about 12 students are already enjoying the scholarship scheme at different levels of education. There is also the discount food items market located at Urubi in Benin city. This market will hold every Sunday and it is to provide opportunity for the poor,
whose purchasing power has been weakened by the harsh economic reality in Nigeria to buy food items at a very reduced price. The Benin Royal Academy for Performing Arts which will be at the Oba Akenzua II
cultural center in Benin City will help train young ones in the art,
culture, craft, dances, and language of the people. Consequently, the
Oba called on government at all levels to make the teaching and
learning of Benin language a must by including it in the school
curriculum.
           
Oba Ewuare the second has also initiated move to provide
opportunities for youths to be meaningfully engaged. According to the Oba, the Igun league of bronze casters in Benin City would be
supported to improve and expand their trade in order to be better
positioned to train more Bini youths in the art of bronze casting, art
and craft, as well as make it a tourist attraction. This is in realization of the fact that culture, art and tourism can provide jobs and fetch income for individual and the country if properly harnessed. Towards this end Oba Ewuare II has established Foundry at Ogonerie in upper sokponba road in Benin City.
           
His majesty, Oba Ewuare the second is conversant with the challenges confronting the people, especially the youths. In his determined effort to stem joblessness, criminal tendencies among the youths, and discourage them from illegal travelling abroad to seek greener Pasteur, the Oba has identified the agricultural potentials in Edo State, which can employ thousands of youths if adequately exploited. Without doubt, Edo State is blessed with vast fertile land that can be used to cultivate different crops. Towards this end his royal majesty has solicited the support of local, state and federal governments as well as industrialists, affluent sons and daughters of the Kingdom to engage the youths in agriculture.
           
That is why many people have expressed satisfaction that
Oba Ewuare the second will be able to re-enact the progressive,
developmental and united force of Oba Ewuare the first. The people
said the unity of the Binis cannot be compromised this time around, and that with Oba Ewuare the second, the people now have a father who
is ready to provide both spiritual and traditional leadership for his people. Little wonder that Oba Ewuare II is already providing an umbrella big enough to accommodate and protect the people no matter where they are on this planet earth.
           
Just like in the days of Oba Ewuare the first, the fear of Oba Ewuare the second should be the beginning of wisdom and no one should dare incurs his wrath. Therefore, the loyalty, respect and support for the Oba are not negotiable. In fact it is sacrosanct. The Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare the second must be accorded due reverence and honour by the Binis and non Bini alike.
             
To the Binis, they are happy that some of those things their fore fathers say eluded them as a people during the reign of Oba Ewuare the first are been restored and compensated for by Oba Ewuare the second. Some of those things are unity, peace and progress.
According to a Benin parlance “Akugbe oretin” which means there is
strength in unity. The bond of unity and brotherliness must be nurtured and allowed to flourish among the people, so that they can continue to speak and act in unison and one accord.
             
May the reign of Oba Ewuare the second bring the desired unity, peace and progress to Benin Kingdom in particular and Nigeria in general.