Oba Of Benin Pledges To Sustain Father’s Legacy

by Idahosa Musa

The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, has pledged to sustain the intellectual and cultural legacy of his late father, Oba Erediauwa, whose contributions to traditional leadership and national development earned him recognition as one of Nigeria’s most influential monarchs.

The monarch made the pledge on Monday at the pre-inaugural lecture of the Oba Erediauwa Memorial Lecture Series, held at the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Benin, as part of activities marking his 10th coronation anniversary.

“We pledge our commitment once again to walk in his footsteps of progress and meaningful impact,” he said.

Oba Ewuare, who was represented by a delegation of palace chiefs led by Chief Enorense Ozigbo-Esere, the Eghaevbonore of Benin, said his late father was among the first generation of African monarchs whose influence extended beyond Nigeria.

He described him as an intellectual and versatile traditional ruler who championed the reconciliation of cultural heritage with modernity.

The monarch also announced the dissolution of the committee established nine years ago to organise the memorial lecture series, citing its lack of progress in discharging its responsibilities.

He subsequently appointed Prof. Osarhiemen Benson Osadolor, a history professor at UNIBEN and keynote speaker at the event, as the new chairman of the committee ahead of the formal inauguration scheduled for March 23, 2027.

In his keynote address, Osadolor said Oba Erediauwa’s intellectual contributions were reflected in his books and articles, which influenced public discourse and government policies even before his ascension to the Benin throne.

He cited the late monarch’s publications, including I Remain, Sir, Your Obedient Servant and The Cradle of Ideas, as evidence of his enduring scholarly influence.

The Vice-Chancellor of UNIBEN, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, SAN, described the late monarch as an erudite scholar and moral compass whose intellectual depth and integrity brought prestige to the Benin monarchy.

He also commended Oba Ewuare II for supporting the university’s initiatives in research, arts, technology, environmental conservation and endowment.

The memorial lecture, themed “Oba Erediauwa’s Voice in Discourse: Defining His Intellectual Legacy,” brought together members of the Benin royal family, academics and other dignitaries, including Prince Aghatise Erediauwa, former Edo State Deputy Governor Lucky Imasuen and former Secretary to the Edo State Government, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

The main lecture is scheduled for March 23, 2027, commemorating the date Oba Erediauwa was crowned in 1979.