Oba of Benin charges Edo traditional rulers on growth

The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku-Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II, has solicited the cooperation of traditional rulers across the state to form a platform to partner the Edo State government in revamping socioeconomic and cultural growth of the state.

The Benin monarch made the call in Auchi, Estako West Local Government Area, during a post-coronation thank you visit to traditional rulers and the people of Edo North Senatorial zone.

Oba Ewuare II said he was keen about strengthening relationship that had existed between the Benin Palace and all traditional institutions in state, noting that his tenure as chairman of Edo State Council of Traditional Rulers would build on the foundation laid by his ancestors.

The royal father maintained that all cultural groups and festivals in the entire state will be unified under the umbrella of Edo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs, adding that specific dates have been set aside to celebrate those ethnic groups that migrated from Edo land.

While urging the traditional rulers and the people to key into the state government initiatives of job creation through agro-businesses, Oba Ewuare II hinted that he was joining forces with appropriate authorities, foreign and local investors to ensure food availability for the poor and low income earners in the state.

On community development, the royal father praised Governor Gidwin Obaseki of Edo State for giving legal backing to the outlawed associations in the state, and called on all youths in the area to engage themselves in meaningful ventures just as remarked that the Benin Palace was working out details about how to engage youths in profitable ventures through agro-businesses.

His welcome address on behalf of other traditional rulers in Edo North senatorial zone, Otaro of Auchi, HRH Alhaji Haliru Momoh, Ikelebe III, extolled the achievements of the Omo N’Oba, stressing that his reign as the chairman of Edo State Council of Traditional Rulers was a new dawn to socioeconomic wellbeing of the people.

Edo North traditional rulers also used the occasion to present male and female tortoises to Omo N’Oba as symbolic presentation of Oba’s wisdom and intelligence as well as remembrance of his visit to the area.