The Journey of the Crown Prince of Benin Kingdom and Edaiken N’ Uselu,
Prince Eheneden Erediauwa to the throne of the ancestors begins today.
Prince Erediauwa who will be the 70th king in Benin from the era of the
Ógisos will be coronated the 39th Oba of Benin of Kingdom.
The Edaiken is expected to trek from his Uselu Palace to Benin City
where the coronation ceremony is expected to kick-off in accordance
with the custom and tradition of the Benin people.
The Crown Prince is expected to be at Urhokpota traditionally called
Eko-Ohae (bachelors’ camp) and stay for three days before he leaves his
Palace at Uselu.
Speaking on the coronation ceremonies, Chairman of the Coronation
Planning Committee and Enogie of Evbuobanosa/Abdul, Prof. Gregory
Akenzua, said all burial ceremonies have been prohibited throughout the
period of the coronation process.
Prof. Akenzua who said the Edaiken, in a foot procession would be
escorted by the peoples of Uselu to Oredo stated that on his way, the
Edaiken would stop at the sacred Palm tree called Udin
Amamieson-aimiuwa.
The palm tree is over 500 years old and it was first climbed by Oba
Ewuare during his sojourn in the forest. From there, Prince Erediauwa
goes to Iya-akpan where Chiefs from Oredo takes over and escorts him to
Eko-Ohae.
Prof. Akenzua further explained that the Edaiken will on October 10
leave Ekpo-Ohae for Usama Palace, the location of the Oba’s Palace
before it was moved by Oba Ewedo in the 11th century.
It is at Usama Palace that the coronation will take place by the Usama N’ Ihiron.
Akenzua said the Edaiken will go to Use village for the ceremony of
choosing a name and on Thursday October 20, the Edaiken leaves Usama
for Urhokpota for presentation of staff of office.
(Urhokpota) after the crown had been put on the head of the Oba-to-be
(Edaiken) and sealed with prayers by the Isekhure; and the Edaiken
will be pronounced Oba of Benin by Chief Oliha. This is the climax of
the coronation of the Edaiken as the Oba of Benin.
The use of Coral Beads would be restored by those entitled to use it.
Meanwhile, the city centre and environs is already wearing a new look
just as commercial activities at strategic places have been grounded.
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