The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo n’Oba n’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Erediauwa, has died at the age of 93.
The news was announced by the Prime Minister and Iyase of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe, in the afternoon of Friday, April 29, 2016.
Benin Traditional Council broke a native chalk at the entrance of the palace which signifies that the monarch has finally joined his ancestors.
Igbe said: “Osorhue Bunrun. Oba Erediauwa of Benin Kingdom, the Prince of Peace, Ebo, Ayemwirhe, emini mini mini, has returned with his ancestors. May he find perfect peace with God.”
All the chiefs and members of the Traditional council, broke down and mourned the monarch’s demise after the native chalk was broken according to their tradition, although the cause of his death has not yet been disclosed.
Every male in the kingdom is expected to shave his head during the mourning period of about three months in accordance with the Benin traditional mourning rites for a deceased monarch.
All markets in the kingdom are also expected to be shut down for about seven days to mourn the demise of the monarch.
Oba Erediauwa was crowned Oba of Benin in March, 1979 and Crown Prince, Eheneden Erediauwa is expected to inherit the throne as the next traditional ruler after the burial rites according to tradition.
