Fun seekers faced a queue snaking up to catch a glimpse of His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin solidarity walk through gridlock on New Year’s Day in Benin City, Edo State.
The Sunday afternoon walk to the Palace started after the Thanksgiving Service at the Holy Aruosa Cathedral (Edo National church of God) on Akpakpava street to climax the annual ‘Igue festival’.
Recall that the traditional ruler staged a similar road walk during his 6th Year coronation anniversary Thanksgiving in the church on October 23, 2022.
Oba Ewuare II was accompanied by members of the Benin Royal family, Chiefs, Dukes (Enigie), Benin residents, worshippers in the church, Palace functionaries during the procession through the Oba Ovonramwen Square where fun seekers at the National Museum and traders in the locality trooped out to pay homage to the monarch.
Adjoining streets, linking the King square were temporarily locked down during the procession by the Oba who is the spiritual leader of the church amidst cultural dance, cheers and songs of oration eulogising the monarch.
During the church service, Oba Ewuare II, with members of the Royal family and Oloi (Queens) gave thanks to God and the ancestors.
In a sermon titled, ‘Iwero’ (Greedy people), the presiding Priest of Holy Aruosa Cathedral, Ohen-Osa Edebiri Igbinoghodua, cautioned agitators for secessionist agitators including some Dukes (Enigie) involved in outrageous activities in Benin Kingdom to retrace their steps in order not to incur the wrath of God and ancestors.
Igbinoghodua also advised groups conspiring with Dukes in the Benin Kingdom to administer certain areas in the Benin Kingdom on behalf of the Oba, not to divide the Benin Kingdom.
