Excitement as Oba of Benin stages coronation anniversary walk

By Jethro Ibileke

The Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, on Sunday staged a two-kilometer road walk, as climax of activities marking his 6th coronation anniversary.

The monarch who had earlier attended a thanks-giving service held at the Holy Aruosa Cathedral, located along Akpakpava Road, in Benin City, walked all the way to the Benin Palace.

Oba Ewuare who was decked in red traditional regalia with white stripes, studded beads and other paraphernalia, took everyone by storm while walking on foot, as Benin residents including bystanders, palace chiefs and other functionaries, Dukes, worshippers and market women joined the King on the two-kilometer road walk.

Akpakpava road and other adjoining streets to the popular King Square were temporarily locked down during the procession.

Also, Igbo cultural dance troupe and members of the Benin Royal family sang, dancerrd to the admiration of onlookers, as the highly revered Monarch led his Olois (Queens) and children, including his quadruplets who turned one year in August 2022.

Security operatives, Royal guards and Palace functionaries had a tough time controlling the surging crowds, to avoid a stampede during the peaceful walk by the Oba who is the spiritual leader of the church.

Earlier in his sermon, the Presiding Priest of Holy Aruosa, Ohen-Osa Igbinoghodua Edebiri, commended the Monarch for his exploits on the throne, particularly the return of looted Benin artefacts.

He prayed to Almighty God and his ancestors for peace and wisdom fort the King.

Igbinoghodua, advised Nigerians to live a righteous life, shun greed in order to qualify for God’s blessings.