RIP! Oba of Benin Joins Ancestors

Mournful looks. Deserted markets. Mass head shaving by men. These are the trends in Benin following the breaking of the news on Friday of the death of Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa, one of Nigeria’s most-respected traditional rulers - the Oba of Benin.

He was the 38th occupant of the exalted throne reputed to be about 1600 years old.

The Iyase of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe and the Esogban of the Kingdom Chief David Edebiri broke the news, first to the Crown Prince, Prince Eheneden Erediauwa, the Edaiken N’Uselu, at the Oba’s palace at about 1.20pm.

The Crown Prince, soon after arriving the palace, had gone to the Iwebo Oba, accompanied by palace chiefs, where Chief Igbe briefed him and the Royal family on the situation. May his soul RIP!