The formal announcement of the passing to eternity of the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba Erediauwa, Akpolokpolo I, recently, has once again brought to fore, the respect for culture by the Benin people.
It will be recalled that the announcement was made on Friday, 29th April, 2016 by the Traditional Prime Minister, Chief Sam Igbe, the Iyasere of Benin Kingdom, at the palace.
In accordance with Bini tradition, all Bini sons are expected to shave their hair to show that they were mourning the late monarch while markets were to remain closed for a period of seven (7) days.
Born in 1923, the late Benin monarch, Omo N’Oba Erediauwa, the Oba of Benin, attended Government College, Ibadan and rose to become a Federal Permanent Secretary.
He was known as Prince Solomon Akenzua before his ascension to the throne in 1979 as the 38th Oba of Benin.
In obedience to the age-long tradition, the Zonal Coordinator of NICO North-Central Zonal Office in Ilorin, Kwara State, Mr. Ohi Ojo, who hails from Uzebba-Iuleha in Owan West LGA of Edo State, joined his Bini brethren to shave his hair.
According to the Zonal Coordinator, it was his own way of showing respect to culture and tradition.
Samuel Hedima
Corporate Affairs
NICO NCZ