Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolo Kpolo: Oba Ewuare N’Ogidigan N’Ogieva: A monarch in a class of his own
By Douglas Ogbankwa
One of the mysteries of this World is Benin City, one of the two cities in the world that has a wall across its frontiers, the other being the Great Wall of China.
In an organised setting, the City is known for its network of roads and also the network of its indigenes that live all around the World.
But what the Benins hold so dear to their heart is their Monarchy. The Supremacy of the Oba among his Benin people is affirmed in many Benin aphorisms.
Aiguobasimwin-You do hold ground with the Oba, you submit, Obayantor Ke’mean ya se evboebo – The Oba owns all the land, even those in the diaspora.
The current Oba of Benin is His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare the Great, II, who is full of majesty and whose charisma is expressed mostly in his mien and disposition. His Royal Majesty is a king of few words, but plenty of action.
A great Reformer and Changer of the status quo, the Oba of Benin was responsible for the control of the land tenure system, which had been hijacked by some forces, until the Ascension to the throne of His Royal Majesty.
His Royal Majesty has also engaged in cultural diplomacy, which has led to the return of many Benin Artefacts to the revered Palace of the Oba of Benin.
His Royal Majesty also looks out for his own in the complex nature of Nigeria’s Diversity. To this end, the Oba has paid visits to the President of Nigeria – President Muhammadu Buhari, to advance the cause of his subjects, within the Nigerian Matrix.
The Grandeur of his Royal Majesty is in his Royal Court, which is well organised and fully gazetted The Iyase of Benin is the Prime Minister and today he is Chief Sam Igbe, a congenial and benevolent character. But we have different palace societies within the Benin Traditional Council, – the Usama, the Iwebo, etc.
The Palace has a magnificent view from the inside as it is a beauty to behold.
Benin however is bigger than the City. So, they say Edokpolor – which depicts the fact that Edo is big. It is also made of the things you see and the things you do not see. When you get to Benin, Benin is still far.
The splendour of the Oba also resonates in the palace’s activities, which are multifaceted. It has a unique festival called the Igue Festival, done every December. The Festival is an agglomeration of many activities. Young Benin Maidens and Boys are seen dancing to houses and offering prayers for the next year.
Benin is indeed an interesting place as the Benins are one of the most accommodating people, in the world, but do not push them, you will be shocked.
This piece was written by Barrister Douglas Ogbankwa, you can reach him with douglasogbankwa@gmsil.com, he is the President of Benin Writers’ Society.
