His Royal Highness, Eheneden Erediauwa, has been crowned the 39th Oba of Benin Kingdom succeeding his late father, Omo n' Oba n' Edo Uku Akpolopkolo.
Crown Prince of Benin Kingdom, Prince Eheneden Erediauwa has been crowned the 39th Oba of Benin Kingdom in a ceremony which was held inside the Usama palace in Benin. He was reportedly crowned at about 2:00am today, by the Usama N’ Ihiron also known as the Edion led by Chief Oliha.
The Oba of Benin is now called Oba Eware II Oba GHA Tokpere, ISE. Other members of the Edion are Edohenn, Ezomo, Ero, Oloton, Eloho N' Ire and Ediaken.
Ahead of Thursday (today’s) coronation of the crown prince, His Royal Highness, Eheneden Erediauwa, as the 39th Oba Of Benin Kingdom, security were reportedly beefed up in Edo State as the Commissioner of Police, Haliru Gwandu, said that 5000 personnel would be deployed to provide security for the historic event.
Nollywood actor, Desmond Elliot at the ceremony
Prince Eheneden has left Usama Palace, where he has been since October 9 for Benin, the state capital. He passed through Isekherhe and performed the ceremonial crossing of a river before moving to Urho-Okpota for the coronation ceremony.
It was learnt that although the heir apparent to the throne was not crowned in public, he would receive the staff of office from the state Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, as the 39th oba, at a grand ceremony which is graced by political bigwigs, royal fathers, and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
Also spotted at the ceremony are state governors, the leadership of the National Assembly and other lawmakers, traditional rulers and members of the diplomatic community.