Security tightened in Benin ahead of Oba’s coronation

Security has been stepped up in the ancient city of Benin, ahead of Thursday’s coronation of the new Oba.

The Crown Prince, Eheneden Erediauwa, is expected to trek from the Usama Palace to Use village on Tuesday where he will choose a new name for himself as the Oba.

Policemen have been positioned in and around the King’s Square, Usama Palace axis, Five Junction which links the route to Use village and Airport Road, Ekenwan, among others.

Some regular and mobile policemen, personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) as well as palace security guards have also been stationed at the entrance of the Urho-Okpota and Usama palaces.

The Usama palace, itself, has witnessed a mammoth crowd, including some traditional groups such as the Iye-Oba, Iwebos and Iweghe Isienwenro guilds, waiting to escort the crown prince from the palace to Use village.

The main coronation ceremony is scheduled to take place at Urho-Okpota in King’s Square on Thursday.