I Am Like A Preacher – Oba Ewuare 11

…BENIN MONARCH’S ANNIVERSARY
REVELATIONS
…Explains why Benin chiefs’ dressing
resembles that of Catholic priests
…‘When you are praying to the Almighty
God, you don’t need to shout’
SIMON EBEGBULEM, BENIN-CITY
BENIN-City was agog last week following
the coronation anniversary of Oba
Ewuare 11. Dignitaries from across the
country and the Diaspora were on hand
to witness the colourful ceremonies.
Notable Edo State sons, including
Governor Godwin Obaseki; his
predecessor, Comrade Adams
Oshiomhole; deputy governor, Comrade
Philip Shaibu; Secretary to the State
Government, SSG, Osarodion Ogie; and
business mogul, Captain Hosa Okunbor,
honoured the monarch with their
presence.
HRM Oba Ewuare II flanked by Oba of
Lagos, HRM Rilwan Akiolu and other
traditional rulers during the Gala Night
to celebrate the Benin monarch’s 1st
Coronation Anniversary.
The two weeks long programme of
activities started with a musical
performance on Tuesday, October 3 at
the palace grounds with Ambassador
Osayomore Joseph, the Ulele Power
Sound exponent, taking the lead.
Several policy statements were made by
the Oba during the anniversary.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
For instance, on Thursday, October 12,
the Benin Customary Alternative Dispute
Resolution Committee was proclaimed
by His Royal Majesty with a view to
ensuring that those who have genuine
cases get justice.
The monarch observed that the Palace
Panel System in place before was not
giving justice to the people as a result of
which he decided to rejig it. A statement
by the Chief Press Secretary to the Oba,
Desmond Agbama, said, “The Oba wants
the people to have a sense of belonging
and believes that when they bring their
problems before the palace, they get
justice. That is why he decided to
abolish the former panel and set up the
Benin Customary Alternative Dispute
Resolution Committee (BCADRC). The
committee is made up of erudite jurists
and other personalities with proven
records of achievement and integrity.
They include Hon. Justice Samson
Uwaifo (ret), who is the Chairman;
Prof.Gregory Akenzua, former Pro-
Chancellor and Chairman of Council,
Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma; Chief
EdionweOliha, the Oliha of Benin; Hon.
Justice Samuel Elaiho (ret), former judge
of the High Court of Edo State; Hon.
Justice Joseph Olubor (ret), former
President of the Customary Court of
Appeal; Mr. Daniel Inneh, former
Secretary to the Oba of Benin and a
retired Permanent Secretary, Edo State
Government; Chief Abel Ehigie, the
Olaye of Benin and Surveyor James
Amadin Osazuwa”.
Another critical decision taken by the
monarch during the anniversary was the
launching of the Oba Ewuare II
Foundation. The Foundation has
components such as the farm produce
discount project, scholarship scheme,
foundry at Ogonerie and Benin Royal
Academy for Performing Arts. The farm
produce discount project will be a
Sunday-Sunday Market to provide
opportunity for those whose purchasing
power has been reduced by the
prevailing economic realities in the
country, and to reduce hunger among
the people.