Oona of Benin, some of his chiefs, Dukes and the Chief Priest at the Holy Aruosa Cathedral during the anniversary Thanksgiving session
By Kingsley Abavo, Benin
The Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo on Sunday, 23 October, 2022 staged a solidarity road walk after his 6th year Coronation anniversary thanksgiving held at the Holy Aruosa Church Cathedral in Benin City, in affection for residents of Edo State.
Oba Ewuare who was decked in red traditional regalia with white stripes, studded beads and other paraphernalia, surprised everyone walking on foot, as Benin residents including by-standers, Chiefs, Dukes, worshippers, market women and Palace functionaries; joined the two kilometer road procession from the Church to his Palace in the State Capital.
Akpakpava, other adjoining streets, and the popular King Square (Ring road) were temporarily lockeddown during the procession, while Igbo Cultural dance troupe and members of the Benin Royal family sang, danced and made an oration onto the highly revered Benin Monarch as he led his wives, Oloi (Queens) and children including his quadruplets who turned one year in August 2022, to the thanksgiving service, amidst cheers.
Security personnel, Royal guards and Palace functionaries, had a hectic time controlling the surging crowd including Paparazzi, to avoid pushing and shoving during the peaceful walk.
Earlier in his sermon, the presiding Priest of Holy Aruosa, Ohen-Osa Igbinoghodua Edebiri, commended the Monarch who is the spiritual leader of the Church; for his exploits on the throne of his forebears particularly the return of looted Benin artefacts.
Ohen – Osa Edebiri prayed Almighty God and the royal ancestors, to grant increased wisdom for the Monarch and peace in the Kingdom.
As he advised Nigerians to live a righteous life, shun greed in order to qualify for God’s blessings.
