President Muhammadu Buhari led the outpouring of national grief over the passage of the Oba of Benin, Omo n’Oba n’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa.
A statement issued in Abuja on Friday by the president’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, said president Buhari described the death of the Oba as a great national loss.
President Buhari extended his condolences and that of the Federal Government to Gov. Adams Oshiomhole, the people of Benin Kingdom and Edo State on the passage of the beloved monarch, who had ruled over his people since his ascension to the throne in 1979.
The President also extended special commiserations to Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa and other members of the late Oba’s immediate family.
President Buhari assured them of the fullest sympathy and solidarity of the federal government and all Nigerians as they mourned the late Oba.
According to him, Oba Erediauwa will always be remembered as one of the most outstanding traditional rulers of his era.
“As the late Oba goes to join his very illustrious royal ancestors, President Buhari believes that his place of honour in the history of the Benin Kingdom and Nigeria has been assured by his long and highly successful career as a public servant, administrator and chief custodian of the much celebrated culture and traditions of his people,’’ the statement added.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar also described the late King as a role model, exceptional leader and leading light in the comity of traditional rulers in the country.
According to a statement by the Head of Media to Atiku, Mr Paul Ibe, Atiku said Erediauwa radiated royalty, majesty, wisdom, intelligence and nationalism even as he spared no effort in protecting the traditions and values of his people.
He said the passing of the monarch came at a critical time when the country was facing numerous challenges of nation-building and would miss his wise counsel.
Also, Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State described late Erediauwa as committed nationalist and traditional ruler par excellence whose reign brought tremendous progress to Benin Kingdom in particular and Edo state in general.
In a condolence message issued in Sokoto on Friday by his spokesman, Malam Imam Imam, Tambuwal said the deceased monarch lived a life of service to his people and the nation at large.
“Oba Erediauwa has written his name in gold, through his invaluable contributions to the growth and development of the nation’s socio-economy, as well as his globally acknowledged views on governance, public policy, history and leadership.
“He was an accomplished Nigerian and a seasoned bureaucrat whose ideals will be cherished for a long time by succeeding generations of Nigerians.
“The governor extends the condolences of the people and government of Sokoto State to the royal family, the people and government of Edo over the loss.
The palace announced the passing away of Omo n’Oba n’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa of Benin, in Benin on Friday.
Also The Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, condoled with the people of the ancient Bini Kingdom over transition of the Oba of Benin.
Mr Turaki Hassan, Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs to the speaker, quoted Dogara as saying that the late Oba’s legacy of peace would continue to make impact in the Edo nation and the entire country for generations to come.
“The Edo nation will always remember the late revered monarch as a royal father who loved peace and mediated in disputes with fairness.
“Nigeria has indeed lost a dependable royalty and jewel of peace”, the speaker lamented.