PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has described the death of Oba of Benin, Omo n’Oba n’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa, as sad and a great national loss.
The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, in a statement said, the President extended his heartfelt condolences to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, the people of Benin Kingdom and Edo State on the passage of the beloved monarch who had ruled over his people since his ascension to the throne in 1979.
He also commiserated with the Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa and other members of the late Oba’s immediate family.
President Buhari assured them of the fullest sympathy and solidarity of the Federal Government and all Nigerians as they mourn Oba Erediauwa who will always be remembered as one of the most outstanding traditional rulers of his era.
Buhari said as the late Oba goes to join his very illustrious royal ancestors, he believes that his place of honour in the history of the Benin Kingdom and Nigeria has been assured by his long and highly successful career as a public servant, administrator and chief custodian of the much celebrated culture and traditions of his people.
He prayed that God Almighty will receive the late Oba’s soul and grant him peaceful repose.
He also prayed that God will grant Crown Prince Erediauwa the wisdom and courage he will require to build on the laudable legacies of Oba Erediauwa.
On his part, Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole said “our hearts are heavy, laden with pains and grief, at the announcement of the passing on to glory of Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa of Benin, our highly revered Oba, a distinguished Edo numero uno, an accomplished Nigerian, a seasoned bureaucrat, quintessential unifier, unique personage and exemplary Omo N’Oba, whose reign brought distinction, immense class, finesse and integrity to traditional institution in Edo State and the country at large.
“His carriage comes with an élan that was peculiar to the reverence of royalty. His uncommon courage was symbolic of the can-do spirit of the Edo mind. His unity of purpose was not in doubt even as he used his revered position to promote constructive engagement amongst all shades of opinion and culture in Edo State.”
Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a leading PDP gubernatorial aspirant in Edo state has also commiserated with the royal family, prominent chiefs and the entire people of Benin Kingdom.
He noted that this is a “great loss to Benin Kingdom which boasts of an enviable history of unbroken continuity of great monarchs who left indelible imprint in history”.
He observed that Oba Erediuwa’s reign was characterized with peace and tranquility as his fatherly role united all his subjects.
“He will be remembered for his great wisdom reminiscent of that of King Solomon in the Holy Bible. However, we are consoled by the rising of another Sun, the crown prince, in the horizon of Benin Kingdom.”
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