The Oba of Benin, His Majesty Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, on Sunday celebrated his 9th coronation anniversary thanksgiving at the historic 508-year-old Holy Aruosa Cathedral.
During the service, the presiding Priest, Ohen-Osa Igbinoghodua Edebiri, warned against the perversion of justice by some leaders in Nigeria.
Representing Oba Ewuare II at the thanksgiving were two notable Benin chiefs, Osaro Idah, the Obazelu of Benin, and Osaigbovo Osamwonyi, the Akenuwa of Benin.
The event featured presentations by various groups, a performance by the Holy Aruosa sonorous voice choir, and prayers for peace and prosperity.
In his homily, Ohen-Osa Igbinoghodua Edebiri urged community leaders, dukes, chiefs, and other Benin traditional stewards to embrace righteousness and remain accountable to their subjects by leading by example, particularly in the area of dispute resolution, to promote harmony and prevent strife in Benin.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Oba, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, quoted the priest as advising worshippers to imbibe the culture of godliness in their daily lives and depart from evil, saying, “those who live according to the divine will of God will reap the blessings of God by striving to leave a lasting impact.”
He also charged parents and other concerned authorities to support the fight against illicit drug use and trafficking, including other social vices, especially among youths in Edo State, warning that “parents who feeble in correcting their children may have the long arm of the law to contend with on the day of judgement.”
The thanksgiving service was graced by members of the Benin Royal Family, prominent Benin sons and daughters, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, the Ima of Somorika, Oba Sule Idaiye, Benin chiefs, commissioners, dukes (Enigie), community heads, traditional priests and priestesses, as well as politicians.
Representatives of the Oba of Benin’s ancestral relations, led by Barrister Chuks Iduh and represented by Prince Ephraim Odiakose Nwabuokei of Onicha-Olona, Aniocha North LGA, Delta State, were also in attendance at the Benin foremost Edo national church.
