- Ex-envoy, Walter Carrington condoles with Crown Prince
From Tony Osauzo, Benin
EDO State Government has withdrawn an appointment letter earlier issued on the Oba of Benin,saying it was issued in error.
In a retraction signed by the Secretary to State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, dated May 25, 2016, the government stated that “in deference to the revered age-long tradition and respect for the sensibilities of the people of the great Benin Kingdom, the Government of Edo State, hereby, withdraws a letter issued on May 24, 2016 entitled: ‘Appointment of His Royal Highness Edaiken N’Uselu, Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa as the Oba of Benin’.
“The said letter was issued in error as the rites of passage of Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba of Benin are still on.
“The government will, in due course, issue a fresh letter on the installation of the Edaiken N’Uselu, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa as the Oba of Benin, in line with the age-long succession tradition of the Benin Kingdom and in line with Section 19 (1) of the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law, 1979 (as amended) and by virtue of all other laws enabling it in that behalf, after all necessary traditional rites are concluded.”
Meanwhile, a former United States of America ambassador to Nigeria, Walter Carrington, has commiserated with the Crown Prince of Benin, Eheneden Erediauwa, the royal family and people of Benin Kingdom on the passing of Oba Erediauwa.
Carrington, an in-law of the kingdom by virtue of his marriage to a daughter of the land, Arese, in a condolence message, said his heartfelt condolences goes to the people of Benin on the passing of Oba Erediauwa.
“My heartfelt condolences goes to the people of Benin on the passing of the late Oba of Benin Kingdom, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolopkolo Erediauwa.
“I also extend my condolences to Eheneden Erediauwa, the royal family, palace chiefs and the Benin Traditional Council.
“Late Oba Erediawa lived an exemplary and selfless life not only as a civil servant but also as a leader and king.”
The traditional burial rites of Oba Erediauwa, which began yesterday, would end on June 8.