BENIN COMMENCES ACTIVITIES FOR THE CORONATION OF NEW OBA

Activities for the coronation of the Crown Prince of Benin Kingdom, His Royal Highness Ambassador Eheneden Erediauwa as the Oba of Benin commenced during the weekend as the Edaiken finally departed Uselu in a foot procession from Egua-Ediaken in Uselu to Benin.

The occasion was witnessed by prominent Benin sons and daughters as well as dignitaries and supporters came out en masse.

 

 

 The Edaiken N' Uselu were escorted by Uselu chiefs, prominent Benin sons and daughters, members of Iwebo, the Igiohen, Isenwero or palace warriors, Ifiento or palace guards, women, youths groups as the Edaiken bade farewell to Uselu to commence other rites for his coronation as the Oba of Benin in a long procession that befitted the ceremony.

The entire Uselu Lagos Road was blocked to pave way for the long procession that accompanied the Ediaken N' Uselu while residents and passers-by in areas the procession passed cheered the Edaiken. 

The procession made a stop-over at the sacred palm tree at Uselu Shell where the Edaiken N' Uselu performed the symbolic climbing of the tree.

The Procession continued to Five Junction where the Edaiken was received by the Uzama N' hiron and other Benin Chiefs while the Uselu Chiefs withdrew from the Procession. The Edaiken N' Uselu later proceeded to Benin after performing the Iyakpa rites before the procession terminated at Eko-Hae at Urhokpota Hall where the Ediaken is expected to spend three days before proceeding to Useh to choose a name for himself before returning to Uzama where he is to spend 7 days before his coronation as the Oba of Benin. Some Benin Chiefs and other Dignitaries who participated in the procession said as a once in a life time event the ceremony demonstrated the uniqueness of the Benin Tradition and the love and support of the people to the Edaiken N' Uselu.

REPORT BY KINGSLEY UCHEGBU