The traditional ruler of the Benin Kingdom, Omo n’Oba n’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa, has died.
The monarch’s demise was officially announced by Adams Oshiomhole, the Governor of Edo State, on Friday.
“Our hearts are heavy, laden with pains and grief, at the announcement of the passing to glory… of our highly revered Oba…,” Mr. Oshiomhole said in a 431-word statement announcing the king’s death.
Oba Erediauwa was aged 92.
One of the last public appearances of Oba Erediauwa was his handing of Red Egbeigben, the highest Benin traditional attire, to Ex President Jonathan.
Prince Solomon Aiseokhuoba Igbinoghodua Akenzua (later known as Oba n’Oba Erediauwa) was 56 when he succeeded his father, Oba Akenzua 11, on March 23, 1979.
Born on June 22, 1923, the young prince attended Government College, Ibadan, in 1939, from where he gained admission into Yaba College six years later.
Afterwards, he was admitted into King’s College, Cambridge, to study Law and Administration.
In 1957, he returned to Nigeria to join the Eastern Nigeria Civil Service as a District Officer.
He retired from the civil service in 1973 and became the regional representative for Gulf Oil Company. Two years later, he was appointed the Commissioner for Finance by the military administration of Major-General George Innih.
Omo n’Oba n’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa, the 28th Oba of Benin, was an author, peace advocate, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.
In his statement, Mr. Oshiomhole described him as a thoroughbred bureaucrat who was “brave, fearless and punchy”.
“Edo people will miss our inchoate royal father of the great Benin Kingdom,” Mr. Oshiomhole said. “Nigerians and Nigeria will miss this great exemplar of a Royal Father, an Oba of distinction and integrity. Adieu until we meet to part no more.”
