By JUMI RHODES
For many months now,not much has been seen of the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Omo n’Oba n’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Erediauwa I. There have been conflicting reports on his health. The latest news from Benin kingdom is that his first son who is the Edaiken N’ Uselu, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa, was today conferred with the title of Uko N’ Iwebo in accordance with the Benin custom. The ceremony, which is seen as one of the initial rites in preparation of a new king’s ascension, had in attendance traditional rulers, palace chiefs and members of the public.
Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa, born 1953, is a former Nigerian Ambassador to Norway, Nigerian Ambassador to Angola. He has a B.A. in economics and sociology from the University of Wales. He is a member of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs. Since 1987 he has been active in leading positions within the Nigerian business community, especially the gas and oil industries.
