lAs Edo declares 5-day public holiday to mourn Oba

By Simon Ebegbulem, Gabriel Enogholase & Egufe Yafugborhi

BENIN—NATIONAL Chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, and former  governor of Edo State, Chief John Odigie- Oyegun, has described the late Oba of Benin Omo N’ Oba Erediauwa, who has joined his ancestors, as a royal colossus whose exploits in the annals of governance brought honour, dignity and candour into traditional rulership in Nigeria and beyond.

Meanwhile, Edo State Government has declared a five-day public holiday with effect from yesterday, as a mark of honour and respect for the late Oba of Benin.

Accordint to a statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Kassim Afegbua, only those on essential services in hospitals, health centres, the Fire Service and others, are exempted from observing the public holiday.

Also, the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, ILoT, has expressed “great grief” on the transition of the Oba of Benin, Omo N’ Oba Erediauwa.

ILoT, in a condolence message, by its Chairman, Pa J.O.S Ayomike and Secretary, Edward Ekpoko, in Warri, Delta State, ILoT said  that the Oba’s death meant the loss of one of the most respected and loved traditional rulers in black Africa, as the Benin Kingdom still represents the symbol of black civilization.

“He was a bridge-builder and to us in particular, he was a father. We feel his departure as much as the people of Benin do. May Almighty God grant Your Highness, the chiefs, the people of Benin and indeed the people of Edo State, the fortitude to bear this great loss,” it said.

Oyegun, who paid a condolence visit to HRH Eheneden Erediauwa, Edaiken of Uselu, in company of the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, said that Omo N’Oba Erediauwa was a great inspiration to all those behind him during his civil service years.

He said that their visit to the Edaiken of Uselu and other members of the Benin royal family was to condole with them and reassure the Edaiken of the solidarity and support of the people.

Responding, the Crown Prince said he and other members of the family were touched by the immense display and show of emotional support by the people.

Similarly, the Senator representing Edo South in the National Assembly, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, in his condolence message to the Crown Prince, said that the transition to eternal glory of Omo N’ Oba Erediauwa was a sad loss for all mankind.