Oba Ewuare II marks 10 years on throne with thanksgiving in Benin City

Crowds lined Akpakpava Road in Benin City on Tuesday as the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, marked his 10th coronation anniversary with a thanksgiving service at Holy Aruosa Cathedral.

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo joined the Oba at his palace and rode with him in a slow procession to the historic worship centre, according to the News Agency of Nigeria. Traders paused their business and residents came out to catch a glimpse of the monarch as the convoy passed.

Traditional praise singers and drummers entertained the crowd, while high-ranking chiefs and other prominent figures wore the red-and-white attire associated with the palace.

Prayers for peace in Edo

At the cathedral, the Edo Commissioner for Mining, Mr Kayode Iriabekhai, said the gathering was a chance to celebrate a traditional ruler whose reign had brought peace to the state. He commended the Oba for supporting the governor since he took office, and prayed that the reign would continue to bring peace to Edo.

The church's priest, Chief Igbinoghodua Edebiri, preached in the Edo language and called for unity among worshippers. The Oba, accompanied by his wives, went to the altar to give thanks.

Holy Aruosa Cathedral, on the Akpakpava-Benin-Auchi road, is the Oba's place of worship. The Nation reports that the church is believed to have been built in the 15th century by the Portuguese and is overseen by the Oba.

For many residents, the anniversary is more than ceremony. The Oba is a central figure in Benin's culture and a voice in state affairs, and his relationship with the governor is watched closely in Edo.

No further events for the anniversary were announced in the reports.