SAN FRANCISCO, May 25, (THEWILL) – The Edo State Government on Wednesday withdrew an earlier letter it issued which approved the appointment of Edaiken N’Uselu as the Oba of Benin, promising to issue a fresh letter of installation that will align with the age-long succession tradition of the Benin kingdom after all necessary traditional rites are concluded.
The state government had in a letter dated May 24, 2016 and signed by the Secretary to State Government, Prof Julius Omozuanvbo Ihonvbere, approved the appointment of Edaiken N’Uselu, Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa as the Oba of Benin, with effect from April 29, 2016.
The letter titled: “Appointment of His Royal Highness Edaiken N’Uselu, Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa as the Oba of Benin” reads: “It is hereby notified for general information that, in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 19 (1) of the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law, 1979 (as amended) and, by virtue of all other laws enabling it in that behalf, the Executive Council of the Edo State Government of Nigeria has approved the appointment of His Royal Highness Edaiken N’Uselu, Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa as the Oba of Benin, with effect from 29th day of April, 2016.”
But in a retraction still signed by Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, dated May 25, 2016, the Adams Oshiomhole-led government explained that the earlier letter was issued in error as the rites of passage of the late Benin monarch, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba of Benin are still on.
Wednesday’s letter reads, “In deference to the revered age-long tradition and respect for the sensibilities of the people of the great Benin Kingdom, the Government of Edo State hereby withdraws a letter issued on 24th May 2016 entitled: “Appointment of His Royal Highness Edaiken N’Uselu, Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa as the Oba of Benin”
“The said letter was issued in error as the rites of passage of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba of Benin are still on.
“The Government will, in due course, issue a fresh letter on the installation of the Edaiken N’Uselu, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa as the Oba of Benin, in line with the age-long succession tradition of the Benin Kingdom and in line with Section 19 (1) of the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law, 1979 (as amended) and by virtue of all other laws enabling it in that behalf, after all necessary traditional rites are concluded.”
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