2016 Okpekpe Race Dedicated to Late Benin Oba

Organisers of the annual Okpekpe 10-km Road Race slated to hold on May 7 have dedicated the fourth edition of the competition to the memory of the most revered Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Oba Erediauwa, CFR, who was a passionate follower of sports in the country, as epitomised in his hosting of distinguished sports men and women who won laurels for the country.

In a terse message released at an international press conference held in Lagos yesterday morning, the organisers noted that: “The late monarch was not just a great unifier of all Edo people irrespective of clans and religious affiliations; he was also a keen lover of sports as a vehicle to promote peace and unity.

“We drew a lot of inspiration from the noble values Omo N’Oba espoused in conceiving the Okpepke Race few years ago not just as a platform to discover, nurture and celebrate talents locally, nationally and internationally, but also bring global spotlights to Edo’s rich culture and tradition which Oba Erediauwa aptly embodied,” observed the statement.

While exalting the most revered Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Oba Erediauwa, the organisers stressed that: “Though deeply saddened, we are however consoled that the sterling legacy bequeathed by the great monarch already secured for him a front-roll seat in the pantheons of sages of all time. We are further comforted that we have a worthy successor in the Crown Prince, Ambassador Eheneden Erediauwa.

“It is with mixed feelings that the organisers of the Annual Okpekpe International Marathon received the news of the passing on to glory of our most revered Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Oba Erediauwa, CFR.

“As our own modest way of celebrating this icon, the board met and resolved that this year’s edition of the Okpekpe race be dedicated to the great king as he joins his ancestors.
“Our heart-felt condolences to the Crown Prince, Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and the people of Edo State,” the statement concluded.