On September 29, 2013
You don’t just barge into the palace of Omo N’oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Erediauwa, the 38th Oba of Benin, to see the monarch. The Oba of Benin is unarguably one of Nigeria’s most reverred royal fathers. He superintends over a famous Kingdom-Benin Kingdom. Seeing the Omo N’oba is naturally on appointment – and this may take time. Thus, when a couple of weeks ago the idea of an interview with the revered monarch was mooted, it became incumbent on us to write a letter to seek an appointment. Then a date was picked for the interview with the Omo N’oba. Waiting for the monarch for the interview on the appointed day was understandable given his very tight schedule.
The Sunday Vanguard team, including Mr Gabriel Enogholase and Barnabas Uzodike, waited for over five hours before they were called into the inner chambers where the Omo N’oba sat with his chiefs. The interview went thus: A palace chief: Who is the leader of your team? Greet the Oba and introduce yourself and the other members. (We were then taught how to say Oba Tokpee, while raising our crossed arms in reverence). His Majesty then asked that the questions be read out for his answers as contained in the questionnaire already sent to the palace.
The Omo N’oba ascended the throne on March 23, 1979 or about 34 years ago. Is it possible for His Highness to tell us how he has been able to maintain peace in his kingdom, as there has not been any major upheaval since his reign? What are the secrets behind his success in this regard?
I am sorry; I cannot go into all that.
The Omo N’oba rose to the pinnacle of his career (Permanent Secretary) in the Federal Civil Service before ascending the throne. Can His Royal Majesty tell us how growing up was like, his peers, the places he worked in around the country including Aba, Enugu and Jos either as Divisional Officer or Resident officer. How was it like then?
*The Oba of Benin with some of his chiefs
About myself . Go and read biography.
You worked as a Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources at a time then Col Muhammadu Buhari was Minister during Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime as military Head of State. During that period, the Federal Government built the four oil refineries that we have today. What was your relationship with Buhari then. And what magic did you people use to achieve such a feat in a record time?
My relationship with Buhari was cordial.
Experts constructed the refineries for the country.
Can you tell us what it was to work in the civil service then? These days, officers below the rank of Assistant Director steal millions. Did you witness such incidents during your own time?
I am sorry I cannot tell you that. I don’t know; I am not in the civil service now, how will I know?
What is slowing down the growth of the country politically and economically?
I am sorry I don’t know
What is the relationship between the Benin Kingdom and the people of Lagos and Onitsha?
Direct your question to one of my chiefs to answer. Who told you that the Oba of Benin appoints the Obi of Onitsha and the Oba of Lagos? We don’t appoint them. When they have ascended their thrones, they come to greet us and pay respect to us. That is all. One of the chiefs, Chief Eduwu Ekhator, Obasogie of Benin, then said: They have their central home in Benin, but their appointments is done by their people).
What is your advice to Nigerians on the need for hardwork?
Direct it to my chiefs to answer.
Then, Chief Eduwu Ekhator, speaking for the Oba, said: The Oba of Benin is a living legend. His wisdom is renewed everyday. He has always propagated peace among his people. You can see that as you entered here that there is no gold or diamond on the floor. He is resolute at all times. That alone is a symbol of discipline to his subjects; it is also a symbol of peace. In his own way of life, simplicity is the hall mark. He is never influenced by earthly wealth or enjoyment. He preaches that gospel to Nigerians. The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokplolo is a leader with charming personality and background. Oba Erediauwa is the mature fruit of the seed his grandfather, Eweka II, planted and nurtured by his father, Akenzua II”.
Chief Ekhator then demanded that Sunday Vanguard must submit the interview, after transcription, for the palace to vet before publication.
The six-footer Oba was born in 1923. He attended King’s College, Lagos, graduated with a B.A. (Tripos) in Law at King’s College, Cambridge, England. Before his ascension to the throne, he served in several top federal (national) public service positions in different parts of Nigeria such as Lagos, Enugu, and Ahoada.
During the Nigerian- Biafran civil war, the Oba, in his capacity as Permanent Secretary (Political), participated in the “Aburi” talks which were aimed at resolving the crisis.
While he was Crown Prince and Edaiken, he gained administrative experience by working in the local government.
The Oba of Benin, Oba Erediauwa, like his father, Oba Akenzua II, and his grandfather, Oba Eweka II, ascended the throne of the Benin Kingdom in the throes of impending and profound political changes and re-orientation in Nigeria.. As Crown- Prince, he was Prince Solomon Aisiokhuoba Igbinoghodua Akenzua. But he was crowned as Oba Erediauwa. It was as part of the rites of ascendancy to the revered Benin throne that he got the title “Erediauwa,” interpreted to symbolically mean, “One who has come to put the house or society in order.”
The Omo N’Oba is seen as a quintessential icon of royalty and splendour.
He modernized the palace courtyard and created many Enigie (chiefs) to help administer various parts of the kingdom and the ancient Benin Empire, one of Africa oldest kingdoms.
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