Oba Ewuare II, Edo Monarch, takes time-off, first time after his coronation in October, 2016, to visit Nigeria’s capital, Abuja. No specific programme shows how the monarch intends to spend his time in Abuja. The royal visit may afford the Oba platform to interface with government officials and other dignitaries.
John Odigie Oyegun, APC national chairman, who led a team of dignitaries to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to receive the monarch, Wednesday, gave slight insight into the Oba’s visit to Abuja. Others at the airport to receive the Oba included some Benin traditional chiefs, indigenes and friends. They were thrilled by traditional dancers from Benin Kingdom and Abuja.
Oyegun said: “The Oba’s visit is bringing peace, hope to the country and change in the nation. Everybody is here as you can see came to give him a rosy welcome. It is an historic occurrence, our new Oba, a unique Oba with a unique culture. We also have a unique president in the person of Muhammadu Buhari with a unique way of doing things. A lot of good things will come out of this visit”.
Nigeria’s House of Representatives member, Johnson Agbonayinma, said Edo indigenes in Abuja are excited to welcome the Oba he described as “caring”.
Agbonayinma said: “There is a saying that if you do not value what you have, somebody else will help you devalue it. I value my traditional Institution and all I can do is to tell my Honourable colleagues, friends of Edo to let them know that we have a caring King”.
He added: “I am happy to see the crowd that came to receive the Oba; I ask God to bless them and the chiefs as well. This is to tell you that our Oba is one who deserves all the respect accorded to him without being sentimental. It is a glorious day as his mission is to also show appreciation to all those who supported him during his coronation. It will be an honour to understand that we have an Oba who cares about the unity of the country”.
President, Benin community in Abuja, Dickson Omoregie, described the visit as multi-dimensional as he would move from one place to another to appreciate those that supported him during his coronation. His words: “That is why he is starting here in Abuja to visit his children; we are delighted to receive him. When your daddy comes to visit you, you are so excited; it is a joyful day for us Edo people in Abuja.’’
Osazuwa Imasuen described the Oba as a man of the people, a highly trained diplomat who knows the value of friendship. And added: “We are glad to receive the Oba as he brings us peace and goodwill”.
