The activities marking the coronation of the 40th Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare 11, reached a crescendo at the weekend as the Sultan of Sokoto sponsored Durban and all its glamor enveloped the palace.
The Durban started at about 4:15 with the horse riders displaying their speed and skills, with the gesticulation of theirs hands which is interpreted to be long may you reign your Majesty.
Cultural troupes across the state were all on ground to display their rich cultural heritage in honour and felicitations of the Oba.
Cultural troup from Bayelsa and Delta State were present to display their cultural heritage in honor of the new Oba.
Others were the Benin Royal Dynasty Trust Dance, the Ekasa dancers and the horse riders from Sokoto State who also added colour to the ceremony.
Guests from all walks of life were held spell bound as the various troups took turn to display their rich cultural heritage.
It was indeed a cultural fiesta at its best.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief David Edibiri, the Esongban of Benin Kingdom, said the event was the social aspect of it as the coronation ceremony has ended.
He said the Durban was an indication of the unity of the country and that Nigeria will survive the current economic hardship facing her as a nation.
The palace chief also said the presence of the traditional rulers from the North shows the unity of the various traditional rulers in the country.
Chairman of the organizing committee, Prof. Gregory Akenzua, while expressing satisfaction on the coronation ceremony, said they have met the expectations of the millions of Nigerians who have looked forward to the coronation of the new Oba of Benin.
He said, the traditional rulers in the country will play a very big role in uniting Nigeria and that their presence in Benin, reflect the love Northerners have for the new Oba of Benin.
Speaking also at the occasion, head of the performing arts division, Delta State Council for Arts and Culture, Asaba, Delta State, Mrs Patani Esiri,said the five major languages in the state where present in Benin to felicitate with the Oba.
“We are here to celebrate and also mark the coronation of the new Oba of Benin.
We are here to represent Delta State and the different tribes in Delta, we have the Urhobors, Isoko, Ijaws, Itsekiris and the Ibos who are here to celebrate this special occasion.
“It is a state troup and you know Delta State is made up of five tribes, we have the Urhobor, Isoko, Ijaw, Itsekiri and the Ibos.
So, we are representing the five tribes. We are not representing a particular tribe.
You know of course we are a replica of Nigeria and so we are here to showcase our culture.
“She said the celebration has been wonderful and that they are happy to be part of the epoch making event”, she said.
