Erediauwa begins rites to be crowned new Oba of Benin

The Benin Crown Prince, Eheneden Erediauwa, was on Saturday in Benin formally installed as the Edaiken of Uselu after the successful completion of the mandatory traditional rites.

Erediauwa is expected to go through some traditional rites before he assumed the traditional stool of Edaiken of Uselu.

As the Edaiken of Uselu, the heir apparent to the Benin traditional stool is expected to be in Uselu, which will become his temporal place for 90 days.

The event attracted a large crowd of people, who thronged the palace.

Shops and other business outlets were also shut as a mark of honour and solidarity with the crown prince.

The Oba Market and some streets as well as roads housing some traditional shrines were cordon-off by security personnel and manned by colourfully-dressed palace chiefs.

The move was to assist Officials of the Federal Road Safety commission (FRSC) and traffic policemen with useful tips to ease human and vehicular movements of persons.

The event witnessed women groups adorned in Benin traditional attire, drummers, entertainers, youths, visitors, and palace chiefs.

Some commuters and lovers of Benin tradition also struggled to catch a glimpse of the event.

Politicians and top government officials, led by Gov. Adams Oshiomhole, defied the scorching sun to await the arrival of Erediauwa.

The convoy of the crowned prince in company of some first Class Benin Chiefs and combined security team arrived from his private residence in Benin to the palace at about 2:00 p.m.

Erediauwa, clad in white and red traditional regalia with a pair of dark glasses, immediately after his arrival, had a brief consultation with the palace chiefs.

This was followed by the performance of traditional rites at the palace.

At about 4pm, Erediauwa rode on a long convoy with Oshiomhole, his deputy, Mr Pius Odubu and other top government officials and palace chiefs to Edaiken palace.

This is a precursor to assuming the title of the Oba of Benin.

The heir-apparent to the Benin throne, was on Tuesday, October 6, 2015, formally initiated into the Royal Palace Chamber of Iwebo in conformity with the Bini custom.