There have been speculations that the revered Oba of Benin, Omo N'Oba N'Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Erediauwa I is in conversation with his ancestors. This has brought about palpable anxiety in Edo State in the last few weeks.
However, in a swift reaction, the Traditional Council has dismissed the rumour that the Monarch has passed on, stating that it was mere speculation that had been on for over six months and lacked truth.
Were the Oba to have passed on, the Benin Traditional Council is the only body to make the announcement after three months.
The Secretary to the council, Mr. Frank Irabor, explained that it was the responsibility of the council to issue a formal statement, if such a development occurs.
Although the spokesperson did not specify whether or not the Oba was hale and hearty, he said that the inability of President Goodluck Jonathan to see themonarch when he recently visited the palace, should not give credence to his rumoured conversation with his ancestors.
Palace sources however confirmed last night that the 91 year old Benin Monarch had been sick for a couple of weeks now.
The source said: “You will notice that when President Goodluck Jonathan came to Benin last week on campaign and visited the palace, the monarch was not available to receive him.
Jonathan was received in the palace by the Oba’s chiefs.”Omo N'Oba N'Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Erediauwa I is the 39th Oba of the dynasty. He celebrated his 30th anniversary on the throne in 2009 amidst pomp and tradition.
