Controversy As Edo State Govt Withdraws Its Letter Approving New Oba of Benin

Crown Prince of Benin, Eheneden Erediauwa

The Edo State Government has withdrawn a letter earlier issued approving the new Oba of Benin, saying it was issued in error. 

We reported it here earlier today that in a letter dated 24th May, 2016 and signed by Prof. Julius Omozuanvbo Ihonvbere, the Secretary to Edo State Government, the state approved the appointment of His Royal Highness Edaiken N’Uselu, Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa, as the Oba of Benin, with effect from 29th April, 2016.

Ihonvebere had on Tuesday, circulated the letter approving the appointment of the crown prince as the Oba of Benin. The letter read;

"It is hereby notified for general information that in exercise of the powers conferred by 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, the Executive Council of the Edo State Government of Nigeria has approved the appointment of His Royal Highness Edaiken N’Uselu, Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa as the Oba of Benin, with effect from 29th day of April, 2016."

A latest report have it that the Edo State Government has withdrawn the letter earlier issued on the Oba of Benin, saying it was issued in error.

In a retraction signed by the Secretary to State Government, Julius Ihonvbere, dated May 25th, 2016, the state government said: 

"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."