National Daily

2011: Buhari, Atiku plot against Yar'Adua
From CHUKS EHIRIM, Abuja
Barring any other hitches, two political rivals from the Northern part of Country, former Head of State, Major General Mohammed Buhari, and former Vice-President...
2.3GHz spectrum licensing: A3 & O Ltd disowns petition, calls for investigation
From COLLINS EKE, Benin
THERE was a curious twist at the weekend in the ongoing tangle between the Ministry of Information and Communications and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)...
$15.5m SHELL compensation tears Ogoni apart
From NWADIKE UGOCHUKWU, Port Harcourt
OGONILAND may boil again 12 years after the execution of some of its leaders for championing the quest for autonomy and compensation from crude oil prospecting multinational companies, National Daily...
Tragedy as Ohakim launches re-election campaign
From STEVE UZOECHI, Owerri
THE last string connecting Governor Ikedi Ohakim of Imo State and his erstwhile god-father Achike Udenwa may have been broken at weekend, with the launch...
Celebrating the beloved King
From STEVE UZOECHI, Owerri
THE head of Africa's longest traditional monarchy, Omo N'Oba N'edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Erediauwa, the Oba of Benin will clock 86 on...

Celebrating the beloved King

• Edo indigens rejoice as Oba Erediauwa clocks 86

THE head of Africa's longest traditional monarchy, Omo N'Oba N'edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Erediauwa, the Oba of Benin will clock 86 on Monday June 22, 2009. For over a millennium, this great monarchy stood the test of time as one of Africa 's most respected cultural heritages. Thanks to the Oba, the kingdom is today, a symbol of continuity, stability and cultural survival. Oba Eradiauwa, (Prince Solomon Aiseokhuoba Igbinoghodua Akenzua) who on ascension to the throne of his forefathers, has while maintaining the integrity of a cultural heritage that has endured for over a thousand years, ensured that the true essence of the tradition is not sacrificed to the whims of modernity.

As the Uku Akpolokpolo, Omo n'Oba N'Edo Oba Erediauwa adds another year of wisdom to his age, he has continued to steer the kingdom from where his fathers left off into one that has not only witnessed the great information revolution that shrunk territories both physical and imagined, but has taken the kingdom to the next level. He has been able to weather the storm of the sweeping changes the world has experienced within the last few years mainly because he came into the job highly prepared. A first class intellectual, Erediauwa attended the Government School Benin after which he proceeded to the famous Government College , Ibadan in 1939. He gained admission into Yaba College in 1945 after passing his London matriculations in flying colours. On completion at Yaba, he was admitted to Kings College , Cambridge to study Law and Administration. After his studies, he returned to Nigeria and joined the Eastern Nigeria Civil Service as a District Officer (D. O.) in 1957. From Enugu he joined the Federal Civil Service where he rose to the position of a Permanent Secretary. He retired from the Federal Civil Service in 1973 after serving as the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health. He later joined the services of Gulf Oil Company Limited as Regional Representative. He was Commissioner for Finance under Major General Innih in 1975; he would have continued to render his services to his fatherland but for the need to get acquainted with the higher calling expected of an Edaiken as he was then. This led to his early retirement so as to devote time to learn the ropes. Moreso, this enabled him to understand the intricacies in handling issues emanating from the traditions of his people. It is to his credit that even in the heat of military expedition into politics which indirectly had a not so commendable influence on the traditional institution across the country; Oba Erediauwa held his head above board. His understanding of public service helped him in no small way to steer the ship of the monarchy from the vicissitudes of political and economic waves that swept the country from the late 80's on to this day. The Benin Monarchy today remains a reference point in cultural reverence. Erediauwa ascended the throne at the age of 56, today at 86 he is as physically and mentally strong and agile as he was 30 years ago.
As the Uku Akpolokpolo, Omo n'Oba N'Edo celebrated 30 fruitful years on the throne early this year. It is this great cultural uncompromising heritage that the Uku Akpolokpolo Omo 'n Oba N'Edo Erediauwa has upheld with great respect, dignity and reverence over the last 30 years. He has in peace time elevated the influence and respect of the Benin kingdom beyond the boundaries that even his great warrior forefathers could not achieve in war. Moreso, at a time when western influence, religion and education has combined to inspire a generation that lacks reverence for institutions the generations past maintained which has whittled down the respect many accord to tradition, Erediauwa's forthrightness and highly principled life has helped strengthened a culture and tradition that is the reference point across Africa. It is in recognition of this that we join the entire Edo nation and Nigerians, nay Africans at home and Diaspora to say, more fruitful years to the custodian of this great heritage.