The story of his life is present in many traditional cultures in Nigeria and Benin and is often told through folktales and songs due to the ancient oral tradition of the people. According to sources, Oba of Benin married to the 2 sisters, same mother and father. News ), Opera News is a free to use platform and the views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not represent, reflect or express the views of Opera News. At this point, Ewuare was known by the name Prince Ogun. Found in the centre of the old Benin dynasty, the Oba of Benin house has been home to many great kings over the years. Residents, including Uselu N Evbo Iyoba, Iheya N Evbo Iyoba Ovoramwen, Ohonre, Iyobanosa, Eresoyen, children and adults, among others, scrambled to catch a glimpse of the monarch who was clad in his traditional regalia with studded beads and other royal paraphernalia. Apart from the plaques, other sculptures in brass or bronze include portrait heads . Oba Ewuare ruled as king for 23 years from 1440-1473. Prominent individuals including the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, groups such as Coalition of Benin Socio-Cultural Organisations, Ikpema Royal Guild and others, paid homage to the Benin throne at the event. One of his grown up sons is, Prince Obaghator Ewuare who is his second son. Because he did not have anyone to rule Uselu, Ewuare sent his oldest son Kuoboyuwa to serve in the town until the war was over. Oba Egbeka, Ohen's first son, had ruled after their father died, but he did not reign for long. In adopting this primogeniture lineage system, the authority of the uzama was greatly decreased. The current Oba of Benin, Oba Akenzua II also saw his father Oba Erediauwa. His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II of Benin is reportedly one of the richest monarchs in Nigeria, >>> Still on celebrity lifestyle and net worth:Ibrahim Babangida: Life, cars and houses of Nigerian "Maradona". The Benin Monarch has a beautiful palace that is befitting of a first-class monarch who is the 40th Oba of the Benin Kingdom. He then reached into Agbavboko and pulled out a bow with a poison arrow which he then used to assassinate Uwaifaikon. The country rose from 25th position in, The oldest commercial airline in the country, Aero Contractors, has returned to scheduled operations after four months of voluntary withdrawal. In the confusion that ensued, he hid with a slave, named Edo, that had taken care of him when he was young and who recognized him immediately in the chaos. This is the reason why till today, a few Kings in Nigeria are highly respected because of the value their throne holds in the society. Today she is commonly referred to as the queen mother of Benin since she is the first and oldest wife. Read also: Lopold Sdar Senghor: From prisoner to president. Queen Ewuare, one of the wives of the Oba of Benin has placed a curse on online scammers. A few months after his coronation, he kicked startedthe process by formally announcing a ban on the groups activities in the seven local government areas in his monarchy, namely Oredo, Egor, Ikpoba Okha, Ovia South-West, Ovia North-East, Orhionmwon and Uhunmwode council to the applause of most of his subjects. Designed by Naijauto team. Historically, Queen Idia fought gallantly and subdued the then ferocious Attah of Idah and brought him with his captives to Benin City many centuries ago. The Oba of Benin is blessed with grown up children who are already making him proud in different areas of life. In 2016 Oba Ewuare II assumed the title of Benin's current oba. His position was similar to the emperor of the Benin Empire hundreds of years ago. Oral tradition describes the king as a wise magician, doctor and warrior. [1], In October 2017, he celebrated his first anniversary on the throne, with great participation by the local populace as well as several officials, politicians, and visitors from other parts of Nigeria such as Lagos, Calabar, and Jos. He reduced. Under his reign and as the spiritual head of the Benin kingdom, a total war has been declared on human traffickers, kidnappers, robbers, killers who had hitherto made life miserable for citizens. The monarch had even taken a further step to resolve the raging dispute when he led members of the Edo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs to pay a courtesy visit on President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, in July this year to report the feud to the commander-in-chief and also demand two ministerial slots. Oba Ewuare II has made it his mission to halt human trafficking, which usually follows the migrant trail (below left) from Edo State in Nigeria, across Niger, Libya and the Mediterranean Sea. Similarly, he has been assisting the government to sensitize his subjects to pay taxes and rates, educate the populace to perform their civic duties, get support for public office holders for them to deliver good governance. Ewuare II (born 20 October 1953) was crowned the Oba of Benin on 20 October 2016. This expedition against the Benin empire causedthe British soldiers to loot valuable artefacts such as bronze from key parts of the kingdom, including the Oba of Benins palace. [10], By the time he was crowned Oba, Ewuare was married to Queen Iroghama (Obazuaye N'erie), Princess Iyayiota (Obazuwa N'erie) and Princess Ikpakpa (Ohe N'erie). If this crisis is not resolved now with immediate effect, it may jeopardize the progress of the state. They are often seen as symbols and custodians of traditional values and heritage. Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II, on Tuesday concluded the first public performance of Ugie-Ododuwa ceremony at the sacred Ugha-Ehengbuda axis of the palace ground. Copyright 2020 Naijauto.com - All rights reserved. At this point, Ewuare was known by the name Prince Ogun. So, if Oluwaseun is not writing, expect him to be reading about sports. It is unarguably one of the richest dress cultures in Africa. While in exile, he attained favour from the ancestors of the land and was favoured with the spirit of the forest. Oba of Benin name is Eheneden Erediauwa, which he dropped for Ewuare II after his enthronement. The throne is historical and the occupant is expected to live an exemplary life. Select from premium Nigerian Benin of the highest quality. The Oba of Benin, however, said that "for reasons best known to him, the governor has gone against the understanding given recent events." The monarch recalled how Adre Walker, the son of Captain Philip Walker, one of the soldiers who invaded the palace in 1897, had returned two precious artefacts to his later father, Oba Erediauwa, in 2013. In addition, he greatly expanded the empire and took over a significant territory. At one point, he felt the need to sleep under the sacred uloko tree and the tree told him to return to Benin City and reclaim the throne. Born October 20, 1953, Ewuare 11 was crowned the 40th Oba of Benin on 20 October 2016. The monarch has similarly been in the vanguard of campaign against human trafficking, a menace that has brought odium to Edo state in particular and Nigeria in general; giving financial and material support to victims of trafficking especially some of the Libya returnees, sustained advocacy for the return of Benin bronzes that were carted away by the British, among others. Iyoba N' Uselu title began. One must believe in it. [2] He is the 39th Oba,[2] a title created for the Head of State (Emperor) of the Benin Empire at some time between 1180 and 1300. [9] The date for his rise to the throne is usually dated to 1440. He will later be known as Oba Ewuare The Great King. 28th October 2016. in Editorial. This current Oba is actuallythe late Oba of Benin first son,Omo N Oba Erediauwa. He got his A-Level Certificate from South Thames College, London. [9] These acted as administrative arms, directly appointed and accountable to the Oba, who would collect tribute, deal with legal issues, and generally take part of the affairs of state. Oba of Benin Rolls Royce Phantom is said to be worth more than 150 million. The palace of his Royal Highness, Oba of Benin has been a destination and tourist goldmine for historians, curators and archaeologists, who believe it represents the richness of the Benin culture. He will later be known as Oba Ewuare The Great King. Eheneden Erediauwa as he was known before becoming Oba of Benin attended Edo College in Benin from 1965 to 1967 and . Ewuare greatly expanded the arts in Benin during his reign and was aided greatly in this through increased trade. 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Thetwo surviving British soldiers escaped and found their way back to Europe to relay what happened in Benin. Ewuare II (born October 20, 1953) was crowned the Oba of Benin on 20 October 2016. i no copy rights to this video [7] He is also said to have founded the Ugie Erha ba festival which honored the Obas.[12]. Oba Ewuare II Ogidigan, the 40th Oba of Benin is one of the most powerful and respected kings in Nigeria. It features Queen Idia NIyesigies head (The Festac Bronze Head), an eagle, an elephant, and the bronze head of a late Oba of Benin. This repatriated bronze artefact was stolen from the king's Palace and handed over toJesus College in 1905. Igue Festival: Edo govt delegation visits Oba Ewuare II The Kingdom of Benin was founded around the year 900, but it reached the height of its power in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries as a result of the conquests of new territories by two kings Oba Ewuare and his son Oba Ozolua (Oba means "king"). [7], One popular oral history contends that while Prince Ogun was exiled he performed a favour for a jungle spirit and as a result got a magic bag, called Agbavboko. The climax of the "outdoor spiritual ceremony" was when the Oba joined seven masqueraders in their stylish dance steps, as the Ogbelaka Royal drummers rendered spiritual incantations. Oba Ewuare II Ogidigan - Oba of Benin Net Worth $60 Million He is also Nigeria's ambassador to a number of foreign countries. He added, "I therefore stand before you as the 40th Oba of Benin, a direct descendant of Oranmiyan, the son of Oduduwa, whom the Benin people of that era knew as . The British invasion of the capital of the Kingdom of Benin in 1897 was part of a campaign waged from 1892 through 1902 to forcibly bring most of the inland territory of modern-day Nigeria under British rule. Ewuare is also one of the most educated Nigerian traditional rulers, having bagged numerousdegrees prestigiousschools abroad. On his journey back to the city, Ewuare removed an infected thorn from a lion that then gave him a talisman with powerful magic making him powerful and offering protection. Oba Ewuare described as peace lover, very intelligent and distinguished diplomat by one of his admirers acted in line with a wise counsel oflate Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt, diplomat, activist and longest serving First Lady of the United States of America who was married to President Franklin D. Roosevelt that, It isnt enough to talk about peace. He enjoys feeding the public with the latest auto gist and well researched car reviews. The birth of the babies was considered an exciting historic event for the royal family. Supporters of Uwaifaikon entered Edo's house and killed him trying to find Ogun who had hidden. The people of Benin lived under harsh conditions under his brother and secretly prayed for his return. Oba Ewuare, also known as Oba Ewuare I or Ewuare the Great, ruled the ancient Benin Kingdom from 1440 to 1473. The Oba of Benin issued a curse in 2018 against any juju priest involved in human trafficking. This act was highly acknowledged by civil groups such as the Edo Equity Forum and the Allied Peoples Movement. This forceful takeover of the ancient Benin kingdom was caused by a painful incident where someBritish soldiers werekilled by local forces. It was no doubt the coming together of two influential families and their marriage was well celebrated by the Oba of Benin. For instance memories of residents of Benin City, Edo state capital are still fresh with the spectacle that played out when traditional priests and priestesses of different deities, native doctors, and different ancient traditional worshippers in their regalia paraded some major streets whose mission, one recalls, was to invoke age-long traditional practice of cleansing the land and appeasing the gods following the upsurge in cases of killings resulting from armed kidnapping, cultism, robbery, cultism and other violent crimes to stem the ugly development. The Oba Ohen's third son, Ewuare, was born. Animals were also slaughtered and sacrificial materials offered to ancestors. He was the son of the prince from Ife. At the time when he was the Nigerian ambassador to Angola, he played a vital role in ensuring peaceful reconciliation between the former president Jose Eduardo and officers of the late Jonas Savimbi, a rebel leader. Tunisia: Presidential scapegoating stokes fear and support, 'Anti-semitism never just stops with the Jews', Thousands of migrants have died in Southern Texas. African Roots is supported by the Gerda Henkel Foundation. Prior to this also, the monarch had assembled top sorcerers and magic priests of the kingdom at his palace grounds, to place curses on herbalists, native doctors who aid human traffickers by administering oaths of secrecy on their victims thereby revoking oaths of secrecy on preys of human trafficking which hitherto made it nearly impossible for the victims to testify against their tormentors in court. Ewuare is generally credited with expanding ivory and wood carving in the empire and the creation of Bronze heads for shrines to deceased Obas. History was made in the ancient kingdom of Benin on October 20 when the erstwhile Edaiken N'Uselu, Crown Prince . He is a master degree holder in international conflict and management. He also revoked the curses used to manipulate victims of this human trafficking. OGISO DYNASTY * Igodo or Obagodo * Ere * Orire * Odia * Ighido * Evbobo * Ogbeide * Emehen * Akhuankhuan * Ekpigho * Efeseke * Irudia * Etebowe The then Kingdom of Benin (not to be confused with the modern-day and unrelated Republic of Benin, which was then known as Dahomey) [1]. The humongous statue, in honour the life of service and dedication of Queen Ikuoyemwen to the revered Benin throne, looks over Uselu N Uselu area (5-junction and its environs) in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. Since his ascension to the throne, Ewuare II has worked closely with Godwin Obaseki, the current governor of Edo State. The royal lineage of Ewuare . >>> See this later:Top 10 richest kings in Nigeria (2021), their net worths & cars. It will mark one of the many storm bronze works that the University of Cambridge has promised to return to its rightful place. HISTORY OF EBUDIN PEOPLE Ebudin is the ancestral home-town of the children of a great warrior called Pa. Oboh, who was said to have been a member of the Ozelua family in Benin, who migrated from Benin (Edo) during the reign of Oba Ewuare, who had decreed a three (3) year ban on sexual intercourse in his kingdom. Oba Ewuare II, like other influential monarchs too, rides a Rolls-Royce Phantom sedan for its elegance and royalty. Prince Ogun was the name given to Ewuare at this time. The Oba has some authority over land issues, when it concerns land owned by indigenes in the south of Edo State, and his decisions are quoted in regular court. For his subjects and keen observers of his reign, His Royal Majesty, Omo NOba NEdo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin who will clock 66 on October 20 has been a source of inspiration given his remarkable strides since ascending the throne of his forebears three years ago notwithstanding the current harsh socio-economic conditions in the land. For instance, the palace of the Oba of Benin has been given a . Oba Ewuare the 1st's magnetism and glamour enabled and ushered in the wearing of elegant flamboyant traditional attires associated with the Royal Houses in Benin today. Under him, Edo was completely transformed religiously, politically, socially, physically and militarily. At the death of his younger brother, he claimed the throne and officially became Oba Ewuare I. Oba being carried by warriors in Benin Empire. Ozolua, his third son, became Oba around 1483 and ruled until 1514. The king was forced into exile for six months. The palace was originally built by Oba Ewedo several years ago. [7] One analyst reported that "what the oba has done is likely to be more effective than anything the international anti-trafficking community has managed to do after millions of dollars and many years". Morgan Oluwafemi. //