The Odionwere of Ekhoenuwaya in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State, Pa Anthony Irogbetin Edokpayi, has commended Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, for his exploits on the throne of his forebears.
He described the monarch as a unifier sent by God to bring peace and development to Benin kingdom.
The Odionwere also appreciated Oba Ewuare II for being at the forefront of the resuscitation, promotion and the preservation of the rich cultural heritage of the people of Edo State.
Edokpayi gave the commendation while speaking to journalists on the recent celebration of the Emorho feast which took place at the palace of the Oba of Benin.
He urged the people to disregard the insinuations in some quarters that “the celebration of our traditions, especially the feast of Emorho is fetish.”
The Odionwere clarified that the feast is celebrated to thank God and the ancestors for guidance and protection during the current farming season and to pray for a bountiful harvest as well for the coming planting season.
The Odionwere emphasised the need for the people of Edo State to complement the monarch’s efforts by taking the message to their various homes to continuously teach their children and wards the traditions of the land and pay less attention to Western culture that has eaten so deep into our culture and making it look as if it is indigenous culture.
Pa Edokpayi used the occasion to congratulate Oba Ewuare II on the successful celebration of the Emorho feast and his eigth anniversary on the throne of his forebears.
In their separate remarks, the Secretary of the community, Comrade Ojo Obazee and Okaighele , Eghe Osifor thanked the Oba for the prevailing peace in the kingdom. They eulogised him for the timeous resuscitation, preservation and promotion of the rich cultural heritage for which Benin kingdom is globally known.
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