Benin Crown Prince Mulls Establishment of World Class Museum

By Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

The  Benin Crown Prince and Edaiken of Uselu, Prince Eheneden, has promised to establish an international museum in Benin-City.

To this end, Prince Eheneden promised to partner a renowned international environmentalist and founder of Didi Museum, Chief Newton Chukwuka Jibunoh, who paid him a condolence visit on the passage of Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa.

Jibunoh during his visit said  he had “come to identify with the famous royal home, having heard that the Oba had begun a journey to his ancestors.”

The environmentalist, who was accompanied on the visit by a retinue traditional chiefs from Akwukwu-Igbo in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, said he has always had close links with the Benin royal family, revealing that Oba Erediauwa was a great inspiration for his international exploits from the very beginning.

“I have come to identify with you, because this is my home too; part of what I have become today started from the Benin palace.”

Jinunoh said. “I want to also tell you that the foundation laying ceremony of my museum, Didi Museum, which has remained the private Museum not only in Nigeria but the whole of Africa, was performed by your father, the Omo N’Oba.”

He noted that because his people are synonymous with yam, wherever they go they go with yams, saying he personally went to his farm to get the Crown Prince some yams, which symbolises his name – Jibunoh (yam is house).

Responding, Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa thanked  Jibunoh for the visit, saying the palace and people of Benin Kingdom were pleased to receive him.

The Edaiken N’Uselu, however, quickly reminded his visitor that Benin royalties do not eat food at this time but that they only eat white chalk (Orhue), adding that those that would eat the yam would share their experience of what the taste feels like.

He nonetheless commended Jibunoh on his global environmental campaign and exploits, revealing that he had met with him (Jibunoh) on one of his diplomatic missions.

The three-time diplomat hinted that he desired to partner Jibunoh in a major archival project in Benin-City in the near future because of his famous creative ingenuity and accomplishments.

“We will like to tap from your creative prowess, especially in setting up and managing a Museum. We will partner with you to set up a world-class Museum of international repute here in Benin kingdom. Be rest assured that you remain part and parcel of this kingdom and you are welcome any time, any day,” the crown-prince said.