Prince Eheneden Erediauwa, to be delegated as the 40th Oba of Benin Kingdom today
The Crowned Prince Eheneden Erediauwa will ascend the ancient throne of royalty of the Benin Kingdom as the 40th Oba in
colorful celebration today Thursday, 20 October 2016.
The Oba of Benin, or Omo N'Oba, Emini mini mini is the traditional ruler of the Edo individuals and head of the historical Eweka dynasty of the Great Benin Empire.
The title of Oba was made by Oba Eweka I, Benin Empire's first 'Oba', who is said to have ascended to power sooner or later somewhere around 1180 and 1300. The Oba of Benin was the Head of State (Emperor) of the Benin Empire until the Empire's extension by the British, in 1897.
The ancient Kingdom, which used to be called Igodomigodo, will have another King after the passing of Oba Erediauwa, the 38th King, in April.
The centre and major roads in ancient Benin are wearing another look.
The new royal residence, built by Prince Erediauwa, is an architectural masterpiece.
For the first time for more than 900 years, the royal residence ground is being landscaped and decorated with sparkling electricity knobs at strategic spots.
All the major streets to the downtown area had been condoned off since Wednesday.
The Oba Ovoranmwen Square was closed to traffic and business activities around the Square have been disallowed while publications and flags of Prince Erediauwa decorated the roads.
Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwao, born in 1953, He has a B.A. in Economics and Sociology from the University of Wales, and a member from the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs.
He served as a former Nigerian Ambassador to both Norway and Angola. Since 1987 he has been dynamic in leading positions inside the Nigerian business group, particularly the gas and oil industries.
He was formally introduced as the Edaiken of Uselu, Benin Kingdom on March 12, 2016, subsequently making him the following Oba after completing the traditional rites.
Prince Eheneden is married to three wives: Princess Iroghama, (Obazuaye N'Erie), Princess Iyayiota, (Obazuwa N'Erie) Princess Ikpakpa (Ohe N'Erie).
As of now, Prince Erediauwa has played the Akhue game at the Ediaken N'Use Palace and picked the name he will answer as the Oba.
The name will be revealed today at the presentation of the Staff of Office by Governor Adams Oshiomhole.
Once the name is revealed, his children will likewise stop using Erediauwa as a part of their names.
The journey to the throne started in May when the Crown Prince trekked from Benin to Uselu in Egor Local Government Area after he finished the customs and rites to get the title of Edaiken N'Uselu.
It was while he was at Uselu he performed the funeral rites of his dad.
After completing the rites, Prince Erediauwa started the arrival journey to Benin, to ascend the throne of authority of his ancestors.
Among the rituals and customs performed by Prince Erediauwa on his way to the throne of royalty are the typical moving of a sacred palm tree, known as Udin Amamieson Amieuwa (Suffer before pleasure).
The other was the symbolical wrestling with the Chief Priest of Okhuaihe Shrine, Osarodion Usuanlele, the Ohen N'Ukoni Neyedo at Evbuekoi in Uhunwode Local Government Area.
Both men will never set eyes on each other again.
Prince Erediauwa has likewise visited some shrines in a few towns where he will be forbidden to enter again once he is crowned.
Some of them are at Urhonigbe, Ikhibi and Ughoton, among others.
The new oba was 25 years of age when the late Oba Erediauwa was crowned in 1979.
He will be crowned at a private ceremony inside the Usama Palace by the Usama N' Ihiron, otherwise called Edion, led by Chief Oliha.
Nice one dear. Highly enlightening. Ancient Benin empire still keeping her tradition. Long live to the new Oba.
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