The new Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has said that his reign would bring about cultural reawakening and promotion of customs and values of the Benin people.
The Monarch said this in his acceptance speech after being crowned as the 39th Oba of Benin Kingdom by the Uzama chiefs, led by Chief Oliha at Urhokpota in Benin on Thursday.
He said “I accept in humility the destiny of expression of our culture and history of our people.
“Some of the eroding ideas and cultural heritage that have us proud will be reawakened and sustained with time.’’
Ewuare said customs and traditions gave people identity for ages despite religious and ethnic differences.
He appreciated his father, the late Oba Erediauwa, for his exemplary qualities as oba in the comity of traditional rulers in Nigeria and in Africa and promised to sustain his legacies.
He said “since the Oba remains the only channel of communication between the ancestors and the people, we shall truthfully discharge these duties.
“We will also address the real issue of security, welfare and reform palace administration for dispensation of justice, equity and stability of the Kingdom.
“We shall strive to resolve conflicts along the line of diplomacy for continuous harmonious relationship with the people and our neighbours.’’
Ewuare, who called for the maintenance of culture, especially the Bini language, said
“I insist that we speak the language in our homes because it is imperative to maintain this our culture as it is and remains the only unifying factor in Benin.
“I also want to appeal to relevant government agencies to include Edo language in school curriculum as it remains the only link among the people.’’
The Monarch pledged that the palace would remain non-partisan.
He stressed that “we will always offer prayers to the ancestors to provide us with the right kind of leaders who will provide good leadership to the people and accord respect to the traditional institution.’’
NAN
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