The Edo State Government has withdrawn a letter it issued yesterday approving the appointment of His Royal Highness Edaiken N’Uselu, Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa as the new Oba of Benin.
The government said it issued the letter in error as the rites of passage of His Royal Majesty, Oba of Benin, Oba Erediauwa, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, are still ongoing.
The statement retracting the announcement of the appointment of a new Oba of Benin was signed by the Secretary to State Government, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, on Wednesday.
It reads: “In deference to the revered age-long tradition and respect for the sensibilities of the people of the great Benin Kingdom, the Government of Edo State hereby withdraws a letter issued on 24th May 2016 entitled: ‘Appointment of His Royal Highness Edaiken N’Uselu, Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa as the Oba of Benin’.
“The said letter was issued in error as the rites of passage of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba of Benin are still on.
“The Government will, in due course, issue a fresh letter on the installation of the Edaiken N’Uselu, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa as the Oba of Benin, in line with the age-long succession tradition of the Benin Kingdom and in line with Section 19 (1) of the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law, 1979 (as amended) and by virtue of all other laws enabling it in that behalf, after all necessary traditional rites are concluded”.
