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Credit: PUNCH
Former Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa, was today crowned as the 39th Oba of Benin. He had picked a name on Tuesday after defeating Edigin N’Use in the traditional Akhue game (marble seeds).
Today, the name was announced at the Urhopkpota Hall, venue for the coronation.
He is now to be called Oba Ewuare II of Benin Kingdom.
Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, as part of the ceremony, presented him with the staff of office.
The event was graced by Royal Fathers, Political Leaders, and Members of the Diplomatic Corps.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo, Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun, Aliko Dangote, All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, were among the dignitaries present.
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, Olugbo of Ugbo, Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan, were also present at the event.
Some of countries whose diplomats were present include Great Britain, Namibia, Senegal, Italy, Burkinafaso, Senegal, Mauritania, Mali and Spain.
Others were Denmark, Sweden, Tanzania, Sao Tome, South Sudan, Argentina, Botswana, Angola and Albania.
The Oba had served as a Nigerian diplomat in several countries.
He walked from the Usama Palace few kilometres to Urhokpota Hall, where he was crowned by the Ezama Chiefs led by Oliha.
At the Usama Palace
Pic.23. Some chiefs at the coronation ceremony of the new Oba of Benin, Omo NOba Eheneden Erediauwa in Benin on Thursday (20/10/16). 7853/20/10/2016/Ernest Okorie/BJO/NAN
Pic.24. The Isienmwenros (traditional security men) at the coronation of the new Oba of Benin on Thursday (20/10/16). 7854/19/10/2016/Ernest Okorie/BJO/NAN
Walking to the venue of the coronation
Some traditionalists perform some traditional rites at the coronation of the new Oba of Benin on Thursday (20/10/16). 7865/20/10/2016/Ernest Okorie/BJO/NAN