by Chi Ibe
Contrary to earlier reports regarding the health status of His Royal Majesty, Omo n’Oba n’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Erediauwa, the Benin Traditional Council have released a statement saying the king is very much alive.
It is, however, not clear if this is in keeping with tradition which stipulates that announcements regarding the death of a Benin monarch can only be made public 30 days after his passing.
The Secretary to the council, Frank Irabor, explained that it was the responsibility of the council to issue a formal statement, if such a development did occur.
According to Irabor: “They have been peddling that rumour for more than a year now, because the Oba has not been coming out.
“If there is anything like that, there is usually a statement from the palace or from the Benin Traditional Council.”
The Oba Erediauwa, had been on the throne for 36 years.
– Editor’s note: This story has been updated. An earlier report had erroneously stated that the Oba was in fact dead. We apologise for this.
