The crown prince, Eheneden Erediauwa, has been crowned the 39th Oba of Benin Kingdom.
The newly-crowned monarch of the ancient Benin Kingdom will be known as Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku’ Akpolokpolo Ewuare 11.
He unveiled his official title today at the presentation of staff of office ceremony, which was attended by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; the host governor, Adams Oshiomhole; and Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
The coronation had earlier been performed secretly according to tradition before the presentation ceremony.
The News Agency of Nigeria correspondent, who witnessed the event, reports that the crowning ceremony was performed at about 3.30 a.m. at Usama Palace, far from the prying eyes of cameras and press men.
A mammoth crowd later on Thursday escorted the Oba from Usama Palace to Orho-Okpata in Benin
The crowd had waited patiently while chanting songs of praises and incantation before he came out exactly 1:05 pm and finally left the palace by 1:20 pm.
As it is the tradition, the Oba walked through Ore-oghene and stopped by at Oloto palace, one of the seven chiefs that took part in performing the crowning ceremony at dawn.
The Oba thereafter visited a shrine at Iwehen junction to pay homage according to tradition.
Then he walked through Ibiwe and later arrived at Urho-Okpota where the crowning was officially performed by Chief Oliha of Benin.
Among the dignitaries who witnessed the ceremony are Iweghe, Iwebos, Ibiwe chiefs and youth, Ogbelaka chiefs, Isiemwenro guild , Ifieto, and Edigin N’Okakun.
The new monarch had relocated on October 11 to Usama palace to perform coronation rites, after spending three days at Urho-Okpota. – NAN.
