Eromosele Ebhomele

Odia Ofeimun, aspirant for the governorship election in Edo state, southern Nigeria, has described the passage of the Oba of Benin, Omo n’Oba n’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa, as a huge loss to him, the Edo people and Nigeria.

Ofeimun, who spoke with our correspondent, said it was the transition of a true custodian of history and knowledge adding that the Oba succeeded in fostering unity among his subjects.

The aspirant on the platform of the Labour Party, while noting that the official announcement of the passage of the Oba is a very special event in the life of Edo people, further said Oba Erediauwa remained one of the foremost traditional rulers in 20th century history who proved that a society can achieve the best through education.

“He believed that education mattered, that history mattered,” Ofeimun said adding that the late Oba documented history by writing on Edo history and tradition.

Ofeimun said he owed Omo n’Oba a special gratitude because he (Ofeimun) benefited a great deal from the works of the Oba, who he called a great authority.

With his works and activities, the Oba defended Nigeria as a country, Ofeimun said adding that Erediauwa took the obaship beyond being an assignment of faith.

“Colonialism downgraded obaship but he ensured that even if obaship could be downgraded, the people cannot be downgraded,” he said.

Ofeimun noted that Edo is lucky as there is never a dispute on who ascends the throne where an Oba passes since the successor is already known.