Prince Eheneden Erediauwa named new Oba of Benin

The Edo State gov­ernment has named their Edaiken N’Uselu and heir to the Benin throne, Prince Eheneden Erediauwa as the 39th Oba of Benin, with effect from April 29, 2016.
He succeeds his father, Oba Erediuwa, whose death was an­nounced on April, 29, 2016.
In a letter dated May 24, 2016 and signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Julius Omozuanvbo Ihon­vbere, the Governor Adams Os­hiomhole-led administration said Eheneden Erediauwa’s ap­pointment was in accordance with the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs’ Law.
The letter was titled: “Ap­pointment of His Royal High­ness, Edaiken N’Uselu, Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa as the Oba of Benin.”

The government said: “It is hereby notified for gener­al information that in the exer­cise of the powers conferred by Section 19 (1) of the Tradition­al Rulers and Chiefs Law, 1979 (as amended) and by virtue of all other laws enabling it on that be­half, the Executive Council of the Edo State Government of Nigeria has approved the appointment of His Royal Highness Edaiken N’Uselu, Crown Prince Ehened­en Erediauwa as the Oba of Be­nin, with effect from the 29th day of April, 2016.”
Meanwhile, the funeral rites (Emwinekhua) for Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Erediauwa, Oba of Benin begin today and end on June 8, 2016.
The AUTHORITY recalls that the Iyase of Benin King­dom, Chief Sam Igbe, on April 29, 2016, announced the demise of the Oba who reigned as the 38th Oba of Benin.
In a statement by the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) and signed by the Secretary, Frank Irabor, the exercise begins to­day with the palace rites which are the sole responsibility of the Edaiken N’Uselu, the heir to the Benin throne, His Royal High­ness (Ambassador) Eheneden Erediauwa.
The programme will feature mainly palace rites, except on Sunday meant for Izakhue and entertainment of guests; Satur­day, June 4, 2016. Ihako; Tues­day, June 7, 2016, Ikpowie and Wednesday, June 8, 2016, the end of the ceremony.
Consequently, all burial rites are prohibited during the period.
The Council advised the people to go about their normal businesses and stay away from places where secret traditional rites are performed.
The statement assured mem­bers of the public that BTC will work closely with security agen­cies to ensure their safety during the ceremonies.
The Council however warned troublemakers that their unlawful activities will not be tol­erated during the period, adding that unfamiliar sounds which are intended to warn people, espe­cially women to keep away from places, may be heard from such areas, but it should not cause any panic among residents.