From Paul Osuyi, Asaba
President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged the full support of the Federal Government for the Royal Destiny Trust programme of the newly installed Oba of Benin, Ewuare II.
Buhari, represented by Vice President Yemi Osibanjo, made the pledge at the coronation of the Oba in Benin yesterday.
The president, who congratulated the new monarch also prayed for his success.
“On behalf of the president and government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I congratulate you on this momentous and historic occasion.
“We assure you of our full support, especially for the royal destiny trust programme for youth employment and poverty alleviation which your royal majesty has set out’,’ Buhari said.
Buhari, who described the late father of the new Oba as a principled and forthright Nigerian, who contributed to the development of the country, urged Oba Ewuare II to sustain the legacy left behind by his ancestors.
“ It is the responsibility of this illustrious legacy that your royal majesty bear from this day forward.
“Consequently, this ceremony is not merely a celebration of the pump and pageantry of history.
“Your walk through your kingdom to this place of your coronation speaks of the great obligation of privilege; the obligation of protecting the cultural rights of the people and promoting their wellbeing.
“We are gratified that your meritorious service as Nigeria ambassador to various nations and your sterling works in the oil and gas industry stand you in good stead to fulfill these obligations.
“All who know you are convinced that you will discharge these responsibilities with great wisdom and integrity that your great ancestors had all displayed.’’
The president also congratulated Governor Adams Oshiomhole on being the first Edo man to hand over staff of office to a new Oba.
“Today, your name finds a notable place in the rich history of Edo monarchy,’’ he said.
Delta State governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa congratulated Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolor, Oba Ewuare II, the 39th Oba of Benin Kingdom, on his ascension to the throne of his forefathers.
The governor’s message of felicitation was contained in a statement issued in Asaba, yesterday, by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Aniagwu.
The statement said Okowa, on behalf of the government and the people of Delta State, rejoiced with Oba Ewuare II, the entire Benin Kingdom on his coronation as the 40th Oba of Benin by the Benin kingmakers.
He urged the Oba to commit himself to carrying his subjects along to a new era of peace, stability and progress in Benin Kingdom, Edo State and Nigeria as a whole.
“As you ascend the revered throne of your great ancestors, you should be prepared to put your new position as Oba and principal custodian of the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Binis to good use in the service of your people and country,” he said.
Okowa called on Oba Ewuare to dedicate himself to building on and surpassing the worthy legacies of his much-acclaimed predecessor, Oba Erediauwa
He urged him to work with the government and other traditional rulers across the state and country to foster peace, harmony and socio-economic development across the country.
He prayed that as he ascended to the throne of the Oba of Benin Kingdom, “God Almighty will grant him wisdom and courage he will require to oversee further progress and greater prosperity for his people.”
The governor wished the new Oba “long and highly” successful reign in the service of his people and country.
About Oba Ewuare the Great (1440 – 1473)
Oba Ewuare (also Ewuare the Great) was the king of the Benin Empire from 1440 until 1473. He became king in a violent coup against his brother Uwaifiokun which destroyed much of Benin City.
After the war, Ewuare, which means ‘The trouble has ceased’ rebuilt much of the city of Benin, reformed political structures in the kingdom, greatly expanded the territory of the kingdom, and fostered the arts and festivals. He left a significant legacy and is often considered the first King of the Benin Empire.
The capital city of the empire was reportedly rebuilt during Ewuare’s reign with significant redesign. Around Benin City (then Edo), Ewuare built significant walls and moats, large boulevards within the city, and clearly divided zones for different craft work.
Ewuare was on the throne of the Benin empire when the Portuguese explorer Ruy de Sequeira arrived in 1472. It is unclear whether he went into the city, but contacts between the Portuguese and the Oba were said to have been initiated. This established limited trade between the two empires, to be expanded greatly starting in the 1480s.
Also, he greatly expanded the arts in Benin during his reign and was aided greatly in this through increased trade. Ewuare is generally credited with expanding ivory and wood carving in the empire and the creation of Bronze heads for shrines to
deceased Obas. In addition, Ewuare began many of the royal decoration traditions involving coral.
In both folktales and artistic representations, Ewuare is considered someone with significant magical powers. His herbal and magical knowledge is attested to in a number of significant art work from the era. Crucial in this is the creation during
Ewuare of the Igue festival, which was originally celebrated as a festival to renew his magical powers. One oral history says that the date of the Igue festival was set initially to the marriage between Ewuare and a wife named Ewere. He is also said to have founded the Ugie Erhaba festival which honoured the Obas.