His Royal Majesty, Omo n’Oba n’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, was on Thursday coronated the 40th Oba of Benin. In his remarks shortly after he was coronated, Oba Ewuare II said,“During my father’s reign, the palace was a home for all despite your religious or ethnic background, for all who needed guidance and assistance. Traditional rulers from far and near consulted him on several issues and he ensured that he advised them accordingly. He was a good father to all of us all. As the custodian of our culture and tradition, he was open to new ideas and respected new innovations.”
On why he should be regarded as the 40th Oba of Benin contrary to the belief that he is the 39th Oba, Oba Ewuare II said: “There may be some divergent views about the origin of some of our ancestors but there is unanimity in the shared heritage between the people of Benin and Ile-Ife in identifying Oduduwa as a forebear of kingship in parts of Africa and Nigeria of today.
“Historians all agreed that Oduduwa sent his son Oranmiyan as requested by elders of Benin to return with them as ruler of their realm. Oranmiyan stayed in Benin, but his stay was short. But by the time he left he had a son known today as Eweka I. Oranmiyan’s time in Benin was however short-lived, he was an Oba. So he was the first Oba after the Ogiso dynasty, he established Obaship in Benin. Therefore the listing of past Obas should start from Oranmiyan. This actually made my late father the 39th Oba of Benin while I am the 40th Oba of Benin.”
