OBA OF BENIN IS DEAD

– Omo n’Oba Erediauwa Akpolokpolo I is said to have been battling illness since last year

– His death was announced by Chief Sam Igbe, the Iyase of Benin Kingdom

The Oba of Benin, Omo n’Oba Erediauwa Akpolokpolo I,  has been reported dead. His death was announced few minutes ago by the Iyase of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe.

The Great Oba of Benin
Sources report that the late monarch has been battling an unknown illness since last year.

The Benin Traditional Council‎ formally announced the translation of the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba n’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa, to his ancestors on Friday, April 29.

His translation was announced by the Prime Minister and Iyase of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe, in the presence of other traditional Chiefs and Enigie (Dukes), with the traditional braking of native chalk at the entrance of the palace.

While announcing the translation, the Iyase‎ said: “Osorhue Bunrun. Oba Erediauwa of Benin Kingdom, the Prince if Peace, Ebo, Ayemwirhe, emini mini mini, has returned with his ancestors. May he find perfect peace with God.”

A Naij correspondent in Benin reports that following the breaking of the native chalk at the main entrance of the palace, all the chiefs broke down in tears and wailed for the translated Monarch.

In accordance with the Benin traditional mourning rites for a translated Monarch, every male in the kingdom is expected to shave his head throughout the mourning period that may last for up to three months, while all markets in the kingdom are to remain closed for about seven days.



The Benin Crown Prince and Edaiken of Benin, Eheneden Erediauwa, who arrived at the palace at about 1:10 pm from his temporary resistance in Uselu, was formally informed of the translation of his father, before it was publicly announced.

Reacting to the announcement of the translation of the Monarch, the Obadolagbonyi of Benin Kingdom, Chief Omon-Osagie Utetenegiabi,‎ said: “Yes, it is traditional. It is customary that when a sitting Oba becomes an ancestor, translates to a greater glory. T‎he Oba of Benin does not die because he is an institution; he mainly translates to a high glory as an ancestor.

“The news is first broken to his eldest son and the immediate family which was done earlier today. And the Iyase of Benin, as the highest ranking Chief now breaks the news to the people of Benin Kingdom and the world. Iyase is the traditional Prime Minister and the bridge between the people and the royalty and that is what he has done today.