President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, on the 10th anniversary of his coronation, praising his contributions to cultural preservation, traditional leadership and the promotion of peace.
The President also felicitated the monarch on his 73rd birthday, which was celebrated on October 20.
Tinubu conveyed his congratulations in a statement personally signed on Tuesday, describing the Oba as a respected custodian of the Benin Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage and a symbol of dignity and integrity.
In the statement, the President said, “On behalf of my wife and the Federal Government, I heartily congratulate His Royal Majesty, Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, CFR, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, on his 10th anniversary on the throne of his forefathers and his 73rd birthday on October 20.
”I celebrate His Royal Majesty, an embodiment of enduring dignity, culture, and a historical consciousness that reflects his people and, indeed, Nigerians.”
Tinubu described the monarch’s decade on the throne as a notable achievement, highlighting his dedication to upholding the customs, values and traditions of the Benin people.
“Your Majesty, this is no ordinary milestone. It is a celebration of ten years of royal stewardship, service, and an unwavering commitment to preserving the heritage and traditions that define the Benin people,” the President said.
He further commended Ewuare II for upholding the prestige of the traditional institution and earning the confidence of his subjects through his leadership.
“For a decade, you have continued to demonstrate your leadership by sustaining the dignity of the Royal institution and inspiring confidence,” he added.
The President also praised the monarch’s wisdom, courage and restraint, noting his commitment to peace and his role in promoting communal values.
“I have watched with keen admiration the wisdom, courage, restraint, and an abiding sense of peace that have underscored your years on the throne. You have remained a symbol of grace and integrity, a fountain of wisdom, a guardian of communal values, and a rallying point for the people’s aspirations,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu also acknowledged the Oba’s efforts to secure the return of stolen Benin artefacts, describing him as an important guardian of one of Africa’s oldest surviving monarchies.
”I commend your efforts to repatriate the stolen Benin artefacts and your role as a remarkable custodian of one of Africa’s most enduring monarchies,” he said.
The President wished the monarch continued good health, renewed strength and greater wisdom as he marked his birthday.
He also expressed hope that the Oba’s reign would bring further progress in cultural preservation and social development, while encouraging younger generations to appreciate their heritage.
“As Your Majesty celebrates another year of life, may this birthday usher in renewed strength, greater wisdom, sound health, and an even deeper inspiration for the young to cherish their heritage.
“May your reign witness greater successes in the cultural and social causes you have championed. Oba gha t’o kpere. Ise!”
