The Edo State Government has issued the statement below announcing the death of the Oba of Benin.
The statement did not say when and how the monarch died.
Read full statement below.
“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 with 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.
“As a thorough-bred bureaucrat, rising to the pinnacle of his career
as a Federal Permanent Secretary, he understood the dynamics and
intricacies of governance. He was the alternative voice to the many
voiceless in our society, calling government attention to issues of
development and transparent governance, without minding whose ox is
gored. He was brave, fearless, punchy and instructive in his verbal and
written messages.
“To us at the Edo state Government, he was our strongest supporter;
both in his uncommon faith in our ability and his readiness to offer
uncommon advice to sharpen public discourse in our shared commitment to
transform Edo state. It gladdens our heart, therefore, that our revered
Oba was alive to witness the positive transformation of Edo state under
his reign, and for standing with us through thick and thin in the course
of making the Edo economy a treasure to behold. Being part of that
eloquent history of transformation before his reunion with his ancestors
gives us further reassurance that he will occupy a special pride of
place in the hereafter.
“We are enveloped with a deep sense of nostalgia that our great Oba, a
great-grandfather, grandfather, father, uncle and iconoclastic royal
father of exemplary carriage and conduct, who sustained the dignity of
the average Edo mind, has joined his ancestors. We are, however,
encouraged by the fact that another great son of the Great Benin
Kingdom, His Royal Highness, Edaiken N’Uselu, Crown Prince Eheneden
Erediauwa, who is already showing manifest quintessential attributes of
his great father, will step into his father’s big shoes.
“Edo people will miss our iconoclastic royal father of the great
Benin Kingdom. 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.
“Oba gha to kpere, ise.”
Adams Oshiomhole, mni, CON
Governor
