BENIN CITY, Edo State — Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo on Tuesday joined dignitaries and residents in celebrating the 10th coronation anniversary of the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II.
The celebration featured a colourful procession to the historic Holy Aruosa Cathedral in Benin City, where the monarch worships, as residents gathered to honour the traditional ruler.
Okpebholo joined the Oba at his palace and accompanied him on a slow drive to the cathedral as part of activities marking the milestone anniversary.
The monarch’s arrival at the worship centre was greeted with cheers, traditional praises, drumming, singing and dancing from a large crowd of supporters and well-wishers.
Residents and traders along the route paused their activities as the royal convoy, accompanied by the governor and other prominent sons and daughters of Edo State, proceeded towards the cathedral.
Men and women dressed in colourful red and white traditional attire also participated in the procession, adding to the festive atmosphere surrounding the anniversary celebration.
Speaking to journalists at the premises of the Holy Aruosa Cathedral, Edo State Commissioner for Mining, Kayode Iriabekhai, said the gathering was an opportunity to celebrate a traditional ruler whose reign, according to him, had promoted peace in the state.
Iriabekhai also commended Oba Ewuare II for his support for the Okpebholo administration since the governor assumed office and prayed for the continued peace and stability of Edo State under the monarch’s reign.
The 10th coronation anniversary marks a decade since Oba Ewuare II ascended the revered Benin throne, an institution central to the history, culture and traditional heritage of the Edo people.
The anniversary has drawn attention to the Benin Kingdom’s enduring cultural traditions and the role of its monarchy in community life.
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