My vision, my mission, by monarch

Speaking to the people for the first time after is coronation, Oba Ewuare II promised to initiate cultural renaissance that would focus on tourism production through arts and crafts by establishing the Benin Royal Trust and Benin Royal Academy for Performing Arts.

Oba Ewuare II said he would carry out reforms in palace administration in order to adequately respond to the peoples’ sincere and deep-longing for justice, equity and stability.

He promised to discharge the sacred responsibility of being the channel through powers of the ancestors guide and protect the kingdom and the people.

The Oba described the late Oba Erediauwa as a true symbol of cultural identity.

Oba Ewuare said: “The Benin people recognise Oduduwa and his origin but it is not in our place to force this recognition on others outside out boundaries. The history of the world is a shared one and there will certainly be unexpected connections in the future.

“This is a time for unity and not divisiveness, a time for mutual respect, recognising that our wholeness as people is so much more than the sum of our parts.”

He promised to partner with government to attract domestic and international resources for the establishment of clusters of Agro-based industries in each of the seven local government areas.

He said the transformation of Gelegele into an export processing zone for agro-allied industries would remain one of his major projects with the support of the Federal Government.

Oba Ewuare II announced the established of Oba Erediauwa Annual Lecture series in which the sum of N10m would be invested.

Oba Ewuare, after whom the new Oba is named, was known as Ogidigan. He ruled the Benin Kingdom in the 15th century.

A magician and warrior, it was under his reign that the Portuguese first had contact with the kingdom. He expanded the kingdom, fortified the city against external aggression by building the moat, conquered 201 villages and introduced many festivals.

He is regarded as the greatest Oba in the history of Benin Kingdom. History also recorded that it was during his reign that many tribes such as the Itsekiri, the Urhobo and others left Benin for their new settlement.

Crown Prince Erediauwa opted to be called Oba Ewuare II to replicate the deeds of his great grandfather.