Edo Govt Withdraws Letter on Appointment of Oba of Benin

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

The Edo State Government has withdrawn a letter earlier issued on its approval on the appointment of the new Oba of Benin, saying it was issued in error.

In a retraction signed by the Secretary to State Government, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, dated May 25, 2016, the government stated: “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 May 24, 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 the 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, 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.”