30th April, 2016
The national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, on Friday said the late Oba of Benin ruled his kingdom with wisdom.
Odigie-Oyegun said this in a statement issued to newsmen in Abuja by the party’s Assistant Director (Publicity), Edegbe Odemwingie.
To notify the world of the passing of the Oba of Benin, a palace chief broke a chalk in two this evening.
“Oba Erediauwa’s reign brought distinction, class, wisdom and integrity to the several centuries of unalloyed tradition and custom of the ancient Benin Kingdom; the traditional institution in Edo state and the country at large.
“As a unifier, Oba Erediauwa used his revered position to promote national unity,” the statement said.
The statement recalled decades of meritorious and unblemished record of service the late king rendered to the nation as a seasoned and thorough-bred bureaucrat, rising to the peak as a Federal Permanent Secretary.
“Indeed, Nigeria will always remember the Benin monarch who protected the traditions and values of his people and who was also a champion of national unity.
“Oba Erediauwa’s transition marks the end of a very illustrious era. May the Almighty God and the ancestors grant the Oba of Benin eternal rest.”