Late Esogban of Benin: Stakeholders’ Meeting, Inputs Will Shape His Burial Plan, Says Family

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

The family of the late Esogban of Benin, Chief David Edebiri, yesterday said the outcome of a stakeholders’ meeting and analysis would shape his burial plan.

Collins Edebiri, eldest son of the late Odionwere, disclosed this to newsmen in Benin City, while announcing officially, the death of their patriarch.

He explained that the stakeholders’ meeting would afford all segments to make inputs and participate in the burial arrangement.

He said, “The burial date is yet to be announced by the family but it will not exceed three months from the date of his death.”

Edebiri, disclosed that because of the status of the late Esogban in the traditional setting of Benin Kingdom, the announcement of his death in the media created a little problem for the family.

“I want to put it on record that my dad died on Thursday, 20th July, 2023. Like you all know, he lived a good life. It was the first time ever in his life that he went to hospital. He died peacefully on his bed.

“But we are satisfied that the legacy he left behind will speak for him. The family is satisfied with the calls from the low and high and the tributes that have been pouring in since his demise,” he added.

The junior Edebiri also revealed that the Esogban, like his own father who was the Esama of Benin, died at the age 93, adding that he would have been 94 by September 2nd 2023.

“His father was the Esama of Benin who also died at 93. We were praying for my father to make it 94 but he went like his father went. He died exactly like his father”, Rev. Edebiri said.

He stated that one of the things the late Esogban was proud of was the culture and tradition of Benin Kingdom, adding that his toughest challenge is meeting his father’s achievements and surpassing them.