By JAPHET ALAKAM

The acclaimed writer, Late Chinua Achebe in one of his books wrote, that the problem with Nigeria is that of leadership. This is not to say that Nigeria has no good leaders but the problem is that wrong people have always been in the saddle for years and that has affected the overall growth and development of the country. But in the choice of Omo N’Oba n’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Erediauwa, the Oba of Benin, it was a perfect match as it was the case of putting a square peg in a square hole and ever since he ascended to the throne in 1979, it has been a success story.

Oba Erediauwa has in the course of his governance of the great city of Benin transversed many areas of life and as part of leaving a legacy for the future, Dr Osarhieme Benson Osadolor, a seasoned scholar, an Associate Professor and Head, Department of History and International Studies University of Benin came up with the collection of his speeches and writings entitled Cradle of Ideas, A  Compendium of Speeches and Writings of Omo N’Oba Erediauwa of Great Benin.

The beautifully designed book with  the picture of the great Oba on the cover is indeed a documentary source book that features a compendium of speeches and writings of Oba Erediauwa’s intellectual legacy for posterity.

The 573 pages book has been conveniently arranged in six parts as follows:  Cultural Development, Traditional Institutions and Governance; Exploring the Past; Vision from the Ivory Tower; Education, Social Mobilization and Sport; Politics, Economics and the State and Media, Religion and Standard of Service. The 68 speeches and articles mirror how the Great Benin Monarch has shared his intellectual insight on a number of problems and issues. Within the context of intellectual history, the ideas of Oba Erediauwa demonstrate how the value of knowledge takes on new meanings, definitions and significance.

In all these areas, the editor of the book carefully arranged some of the famous speeches that revolves on tradition, intellect and wisdom. A close reading of the chapters indicates that these pillars provide a solid foundation for Cradle of Ideas.

The book opens with a 32 page photo album that showcases the Oba of Benin , his father, family and some of the famous engagements he attended.

Part A focuses on his interpretation of cultural understandings, the discussion of the dilemma of traditional institutions and authorities in the nation-state project, and the multiple problems of governance in the context of  democratization and influences of foreign culture. The Royal author, as the custodian of Benin tradition and culture, was brought up in that culture, including its laws, customs, mores and conventions of society.

His knowledge of the history of Benin, spanning thousands of years and the spirituality of his people, enable him to examine modern ideas against the background of the Benin cultural experience. Part B highlights the important aspects of Nigerian history and culture, particularly in their potentially significant links with the state-of-the-art on Benin.

Part C is devoted to his views about Nigerian educational system. His speeches delivered at the Congregation ceremonies at the University of Ibadan during his 8-year tenure as Chancellor, which shows the Author’s perspectives on the role of Universities in the African setting. He highlighted two major shortcomings in the Nigerian University system as, neglect of the liberal Arts/humanities as opposed to a mechanistic specialization in narrowly focused academic disciplines, and alienation from society. The meaning of education, social mobilisation and sports discussed in part D, while part E explores the influence of politics, the economy and the state in understanding the system of modern Nigeria.

The finally part consists of his writings which attempt to reconcile the responsibilities of the media and religion with standard of service. Here the ideas of Oba Erediauwa are developed in a form, which considers the proof of standard of service as the testament to one’e practices and beliefs.  Here it talks about his relationship with God. As the custodian of the Benin kingdom,Wisdom is required to relate in a logical manner, tradition to modernity.

In line with the doctrine of building the modern on a cultural foundation, the Author advocates cooperation between modern and traditional medicine.The Book makes a distinction about Christianity as presented in the Holy Bible and modern practice of the religion by professing Christians. What comes out clearly in this book is that the Author, though a traditionalist, is a far more expose theologian than many Priests who put emphasis on material things rather than priceless treasures of Divine Spirituality     .                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        The book is an overwhelming demonstration of the power of thought in the fostering of ideas to help understand problems and pursue further inquiry within a considerable range of approaches that are oriented to the practical matters of managing and finding lasting solutions to the contemporary problems of state and society.
According to the editor of the book, “Cradle of Ideas is a record of the irresistible force of ideas of a king, who with an intellectual voice and insight examined his subject from a revealing viewpoint.”

It is a well-researched and skillfully crafted book detailing the reasons for these manifestations of systematic failure and proposing a realistic way forward.

This monumental volume is an addition to the array of literary works on the book stand and it deserves a place in the libraries of scholars, intellectuals, traditionalists, religious bodies as well as public libraries at home and abroad.