A Royal Visit
Adibe Emenyonu writes on the visit of the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II to Auchi kingdom with a message of unity in Edo land
The visit was long expected. Therefore, when the news was sent via all communication channels, the palace of Otaru of Auchi was filled up the next day. Among the personalities that graced the occasion include the 32 traditional rulers in Edo North senatorial district.
The Otaru of Auchi, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Aliru Momoh Ikelebe III, who played host to Oba Ewuare II, was supported by other traditional rulers from Edo North, among whom were HRM, Alhaji (Dr.) A.Y.E. Dirisu JP, (OON), Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, HRM, Dr. G. O. Egabor OON, Okumagbe of Wappa Wanno, HRM, Alhaji Aliyu K. Danesi, Oba Danesi II, Aiodongie of South-Ibie, HRM, Peter Abalume Osigemeh, Onweweko of Okpekpe, HRH, Alhaji Jackson Dauda A Etohana, Ogieavianwu of Avianwu, HRH, Oba A.A. Obaitan JP, Olososo of Ososo; HRH, Alaji D.Y.E. Kanoba JP, Esiegbai of Ekperi, HRH, Alhaji K.I. Omogbai, Ogieneni of Uzairue; HRH, Oba E.A. Saiki, Otaru of Igarra, HRH, Alhaji S. Elabor, Clan Head of Ivbiaro; HRH, Alhaji Jimah Awudu, Ukor of Iheivbe, alongside others.
Also at the event was the immediate past governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole; the incumbent deputy governor, Hon. Philip Shuaibu, Hon. Pally Iriase, member, representing Owan Federal Constituency and his other colleagues from the area; the senator representing the zone, Senator Francis Alimikhena, among others. Auchi is the headquarters of Edo North district. Therefore, the Oba as the paramount ruler of the state, deserves to be revered, more so as he is the permanent Chairman, Edo State Council of Traditional Rulers.
This was why the town of Auchi became agog as people from all walks of life including the lowly, defied the scourging sun and headed to the palace of the Otaru, just to have a glimpse of his Majesty.
The visit came exactly six months after the coronation of Oba of Benin Kingdom, HRM, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, who led a delegation of Benin chiefs to the palace of the Otaru of Auchi Kingdom, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Aliru Momoh Ikelebe III, for a thank you visit.
The tour also provided His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, the opportunity to rub minds with about 32 Edo North traditional rulers.
But to the average inhabitant of the area, the Oba visit was very significant to them in the sense that the visit made them witness the first rain fall of the year. To them therefore, the presence of the Oba of Benin brought them the blessing of the rain.
According to one Mallam Audu, a resident of Auchi, he said they have been praying for rain for a very long time noting that the presence of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II to Auchi has brought the first rain to the people. “This rain is a blessing,” he said.
Deputy governor of Edo State, Shuaibu, said, “It has been difficult to have rain in this zone. Your presence has brought rain.”
In his speech, Oba Ewuare II said, “Edo North will continue to be blessed with good
Oba Ewaure II who was presented with gifts of two tortoise whose ages were placed at 117 years said he was in Edo North to rally traditional rulers in the area to support his initiative on youth empowerment and job creation
weather and you will be rewarded with good harvest this year.”
Oba Ewaure II who was presented with gifts of two tortoise whose ages were placed at 117 years said he was in Edo North to rally traditional rulers in the area to support his initiative on youth empowerment and job creation.
The Benin monarch urged the traditional rulers to key into the agricultural policies of Governor Godwin Obaseki by making land available to investors when the need arises.
He told them to encourage youths in their respective domain to go into agriculture for increased food production.
His words, “traditional rulers are encouraged to promote tree planting in their domain for forest regeneration and conserving of the environment.
“The state government is partnering with investors and it’s providing incentives for them in agriculture which will at the long run create employment. Encourage your youths to take advantage of this initiative.
“We are taking steps to restore sanity to our villages and towns by stamping out activities of Community Development
Associations. Their activities have been criminalised. Support this crusade and stamp them out of your domains.”
Speaking on behalf of Edo North Traditional Rulers, Otaru of Auchi, HRH Aliyu Momoh, Ikelebe III said they were all in support of Oba Ewaure II initiatives.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Otaru of Auchi described the visit of the Oba of Benin to Edo North as practical characteristics of a visionary leader that no doubt “inspires but cements the bond that hold all Edo people together.”
According to Otaru, “The entire traditional rulers, prominent leaders, son and daughters of Edo North say to you in salutation of prayer, Oba Ghato Kpere-Ise (The king shall live long. Amen)!”
The Otaru while recalling the historic and memorable coronation that had remained unequalled in contemporary world because of the glamour, told Oba Ewuare II how grateful they are to God for the world acclaimed most colourful regalia and splendour which can only come from God’s royal crown.
He likened the ascension of the Oba to the world acclaimed historic throne of the Oba’s forebears as part of the coincidence of two most outstanding gentlemen emerging simultaneously on the rulership scene in Edo State and the other being a new governor.
The Auchi monarch noted that both illustrious sons took inheritance of office from the foremost well accomplished and celebrated predecessors, “the first, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa whose ancestral throne you occupy now and the second, the immediate past governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole who during his tenure demonstrated pursuance of excellence in all works of Edo State.”
The Otaru commended the visionary initiative of the Oba in land administration as most outstanding which he noted is being appreciated not only in the state, but a symbolism for Nigeria, adding that his bold visions as they relate to land administration in the state will take the youths of the state out of life of laziness, strife and inglorious conduct.
The Otaru also urged the Oba to lead the struggle to include functions of traditional rulers in the Nigerian Constitution.
The Otaru while recalling the historic and memorable coronation that had remained unequalled in contemporary world because of the glamour, told Oba Ewuare II how grateful they are to God for the world acclaimed most colourful regalia and splendour which can only come from God’s royal crown