Benin Unity Summit: Let’s Build on The Labour of Our Heroes to Carry Benin into the Future With Courage and Vision

By Distinguished Senator Rowland Owie, KSJI
Special Guest of Honour at The Benin Summit, organised by BSG

Your Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo,
Your Excellencies, Esteemed Royal Fathers;
Distinguished Guests; Sons and Daughters of the Great Benin Kingdom; Ladies and Gentlemen:

I. The Primacy of the Benin Civilization

There are nations, and there are civilizations. Benin is not merely a nation—it is a civilization.
A civilization that has endured, uninterrupted, for over a millennium. A civilization whose monarchy is one of the oldest continuous thrones on Earth.

Long before many of today’s world powers emerged, the Benin people had built a city of moats, walls, bronzes, and statecraft so sophisticated that European chroniclers described Benin City as “a place of grandeur and order rivaling the best capitals of Europe.”
We are not merely heirs of history; we are custodians of destiny.

II. Tribute to Our Royal Fathers:

Let us recall with gratitude our monarchs of the last century who carried the torch through storm and fire — Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi, who, in defiance of British imperial guns, stood firm to the very end—a symbol of sovereignty unyielding.

Oba Eweka II, who revived the arts, reassembled our scattered spirit, and initiated the Benin Renaissance.

Oba Akenzua II, whose shuttle diplomacy gave the Benins a seat at Nigeria’s founding table, and whose bold statesmanship secured the Midwest Region—a declaration of our right to self-determination.

Oba Erediauwa, CFR, the Cambridge-trained monarch of intellect and modernity, who anchored the creation of Edo State and set our trajectory for development.

III. A Moment of Silence:

But before I continue, permit me—on a deeply personal note—to ask us all to rise for one minute of silence.

For Lady Helen Noyo Owie, my beloved wife, my soul mate, my partner in struggle, who returned to her Creator on April 9th this year. She shaped my outlook in the shadows, sharpening my commitment to public service and to the Benin Nation.

May her soul, and the souls of all faithful departed, rest in peace. Let us also kindly observe a moment of silence for our departed brother and Inspector-General of Police Emeritus, Solomon Arase. May his soul rest in peace.

IV. My Journey as Metaphor:

At 80, having spent 55 years of my earthly sojourn in service—from ABU Zaria in 1968, to Education Officer in 1971, Registrar in 1973, Commissioner in 1983, Member of the House of Reps in 1979, and Pioneer Chief Whip of the 4th Senate in 1999—I have seen our rise, our decline, and our resilience.

As we celebrate the enduring majesty of our civilization, it is only fitting that we honour the pathbreaking contributions of the illustrious sons and daughters of Benin who, in diverse ways, carried the flame of relevance and service through their times.

We remember with reverence the towering leadership of His Excellency Dr. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia, military governor and visionary builder; the steadfast public service of Hon. V.I. Amadasun; the administrative acumen of E.O. Imafidon; Justice Ighodaro, Hon Barr Chris Agbonwanegbe, Hon Dr Roland Ehigiamusoe, Hon Sunny Uyigue, Mr. D. Ehanire, Chief D. U. Edebiri The Esogban of Benin Kingdom and the indomitable entrepreneurial spirit of Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin.

We recall the principled courage of Chief Idahosa—Akakasiaka; the loyal stewardship of Chief D.N. Oronsaye; the parliamentary contributions of Hon. Osa Osifo; the intellectual brilliance of Prof. Sunny Iyahen, Super Permanent Secretary Emeritus and the first Executive Governor of Edo State; and the statesmanship of His Excellency Chief John Oyegun.

We must not forget Prince Edun Akenzua, custodian of our royal heritage; Dr. Ada Omorogiuwa, tireless advocate of education; DIG Parry Osayande, Prof. Thomas Emokpae, scholar of renown; Chief Ohamu; Chief Ben Edo Osagie; Hon. Eguaeoseki Ogida; Hon. Uwagboe; Bar. Eddy Osifo; Hon. Job Obano; Hon. Tony Iyen; Hon. Okungbowa; Hon. Robert Emokpae; Hon. Elema; Hon. Aiwerioghene; Hon. Edokpolo; Hon. Esemuede; Dr. Hon. Omokaro Izevbigie; and Hon. Bar. Ighodaro—all of whom lent their voices, their hands, and their intellects to the service of the Benin Nation.

With the return to democracy in 1999, a new generation of Benin statesmen and women emerged.

We must mention my brother, His Excellency Lucky Igbinedion; my brother, His Excellency Godwin Obaseki; my dear sister and sister-in-law, Distinguished Senator Daisy Danjuma; my brother, His Excellency Pius Odubu; His Excellency Lucky Imasuen, Distinguished Senator Ehigie Uzamere; Distinguished Senator Matthew Uroghide; Distinguished Senator Neda Imasuen; IGP Emeritus Solomon Arase, Prince Steve Oronsaye, the first Benin Son to be Head of Service of Nigeria, Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi; Dr. Ehigiamusoe, CEO of LAPO; Mr. Victor Ogiemwonyi; Mr. Ede Osayande; my dear sister, Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui Okauru; and the late Captain Hosa Okunbo, whose generosity and vision inspired many.

To these names, we add with deep gratitude Prof. Enogie Greg Akenzua; Elder Tes Sorae; the late Colonel Paul Osa Ogbebor; and Hon. Charles Idahosa, whose devotion to the Benin cause has remained steadfast through the decades.

These men and women, each in their own way, ensured that our people have remained relevant, that the Benin voice has not been silenced, and that our place in the Nigerian and African conversation endures.
Yet, let us speak plainly: while they have kept us in the circle of relevance, more needs to be done.

Their sacrifices give us a foundation—but the work of consolidation and transformation belongs to us. It is our charge, our duty, and our destiny to build upon their labours and carry Benin into the future with courage and vision.

The Benin Nation, like Israel, is unique. Every family has its ancestral greeting—Lamogun, Lagiesan, Lavbieze e.t.c making us as children of destiny. But destiny without discipline is wasted.

V. Where We Stand Today:

Let us not deceive ourselves: we have lost ground.
In Edo politics, our influence wanes.
In Nigeria’s affairs, our voice is drowning.

Our youth, instead of carrying bronze, too often carry despair.
Our culture, once celebrated worldwide, now struggles for survival.
We must ask ourselves: How did we get here?

Did we sell our birthright for political expediency?
Did we pull down ourselves rather than encourage and lift up one and another?

Did we abandon the ethos of service, replacing it with personal gain?
These are uncomfortable questions. But nations rise not by avoiding questions, but by confronting them.

VI. A Call to Renewal:

My brothers and sisters, today cannot be business as usual. Today must be the start of genuine renewal.

Here are five imperatives: Reclaim Our Values – Our children must be taught pride in who they are. Our schools must teach Benin history, language, and heritage. If we forget who we are, the world will forget us.
Invest in Youth Leadership – Give the youth not slogans, but responsibility. Mentor them. Empower them. Let them innovate while standing on tradition.

Build Our Infrastructure – Roads, markets, and green spaces are not just physical projects—they are symbols of dignity. A people without modern amenities cannot command respect.
Turn Culture into Economy – Our festivals, arts, bronzes, and heritage are not just memories; they are assets. Let us create a cultural economy that employs our youth, attracts the world, and fuels pride.

VII. Food for Thought:

But let me provoke you with this fundamental question – Are we ready to tell ourselves the truth? That unity cannot be forged if we remain divided by envy.

That development cannot come if leadership is chosen by patronage rather than principle.

The elephant is in the room. The question is: will we confront it, or will we dance around it?

VIII. A Covenant for the Future:

For us octogenarians and nonagenarians, we are willing to give counsel, wisdom, and guidance. But the task of rebuilding belongs to you—the middle generation and the youth. Let this summit not end with resolutions that gather dust. Let it end with a covenant:

That every son and daughter of Benin will commit to one act of service yearly. That our leaders will put aside petty rivalries and forge a common agenda.

That our youths will rise not in lamentation, but in innovation.
IX. Conclusion
Distinguished guests, my people, history is watching us.

At this moment, we must choose: Will Benin be remembered as a fallen giant, or as a nation that stumbled but rose again?

Let us dare to act. Let us dare to unite. Let us resist those forces, internal or external, that tend to divide us.

Let us dare to reimagine possibilities. Let us re-energize and encourage community service which has powered sustainable development.
If we have the courage, the God of our ancestors will grant us wisdom, and the Benin Nation shall rise again—stronger, prouder, and eternal.

Unto Jesus, we surrender!