Thursday, March 28, 2024

Oba of Benin, Ooni of Ife, Emir of Kano in closed- door meeting in Edo

BY MAYOWA SAMUEL

The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; (Ọjájá II) and the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, at the weekend held a private meeting in the Benin monarch palace in Edo State.

Oba Ewuare who spoke after the meeting commended President Muhammadu Buhari’s stance in preserving the cultural ethos and traditional institution in Nigeria.

He recalled failed attempts by cultural imperialists to disrupt the tradition in Africa; including Benin Kingdom where the invaders looted Benin Bronzes over a Century ago

The Royal father however expressed thanks to God and his forebears that some of the artefacts taken away by the invaders at the time have started returning to their original abode.

The traditional ruler acknowledged the role of the President, and the support of stakeholders in preserving the traditional institution which according to him, has remained intact.

Continuing, Oba Ewuare said: “When the white man came and tried to disrupt our traditional institution, you will all agree with me that they failed. So, they left our traditional institution intact. That is why we are still here.

“They took away our artefacts to remind them of their visit. But the artefacts are coming back. I want to use this opportunity to thank Mr. President, Muhammadu Buhari for his strong stance in supporting the cultural, the traditional institution; Preserving the Culture of Nigeria.

“We may not know what His Excellency has done for us… Nigerians will know; perhaps later.”

On his part, the Ooni of Ife recalled the ancestral ties between Benin Kingdom and Ile Ife in Osun State, adding that his mission to the Oba of Benin palace was to ask for the welfare of Oba Ewuare II and extend the best wishes of his people.

Also, the Emir of Kano paid tribute to the Benin throne and promised to sustain the legacies of his forebears as well as straighten the bond of friendship between Benin Kingdom and Kano Emirate.

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