Celebrating Oba Ewuare’s Eight Years of Heritage Renaissance
Oba Ewuare II (file)
By Comrade Orobosa Omo-Ojo JP
Truth be be told, the reign of the king of Benin, Oba Ewuare II has reinforced the awe and reverential respect that surrounds the majestic history of the Great Benin Kingdom.
Socrates has said that, “…the object of education is to teach us to love what is beautiful.” Truly, the past eight years have expanded the limits of cultural heritage studies, especially amongst historians and scholars around the globe.
As a member of the West Africa Tourism Organization and the Cape Town Declaration on Responsible Tourism Managers, I can testify to the fact that the hunger by practitioners to etch economic values from the kingdom is now a front burner, akin to a rat race of sort.
The renewed interest can only be traced to the untiring efforts of our revered Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolor Oba Ewuare II. His pursuit of the repatriation of all looted Benin Bronzes, and the global discuss that their returns have received, are all as a result of the renaissance zeal of the god king.
In just eight years, his kingdom has witnessed peace and development, so much so that, the coral beads adorned by men and women have become signs of honour and a majestic race.
The last eight years have reinforced the doctrine of sages, that the ‘greatest honour history can bestow is that of peacemaker.’ Oba Ewuare II has remained a conciliator to his subjects, irrespective of their class or tribe, and this has continued to exemplify peace in his kingdom.
Oba Ewuare has been recognized to play vital role in fostering peace, unity, and progress in our nation. His Majesty’s contribution to conflict resolution, promoting harmonious coexistence, and guiding our youth remains his medal of honour.
Our Imperial Majesty have demonstrated remarkable leadership in just right years of his memorable reign, even as he continues to uphold our rich traditions, while embracing civilization, progress, and development.
As the most respected rulers in Nigeria, your efforts to promote Benin culture, foster unity among us and your role in promoting unity and upholding the revered culture of our ancestors has made you acclaimed embodiment of living history.
To us, loyal subjects, Oba Ewuare II, ‘Ekpen N’Owa’ (the Leopard of the House), the Oba of Benin is a sacred monarch. A living link to the powerful realm of ancestors and deities.
Our King is beyond the needs and restraints that limit humankind. The oba is referred to metaphorically as the leopard of the house because of his immense wisdom and bravery.
To us practitioners in heritage studies, the regalia of Oba Ewuare II tells the divine right to rule. His coral crowns and accessories reaffirm the prosperity his reign has guaranteed.
Your Majesty, as our beautiful culture and tradition remains in glow, may your reign be alluded to boundless development in our state. May you reign in peace with perfect health!
Obaghato kpere Iseeeeee!!
Long live the Oba!!!
