President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, on his 10th anniversary on the throne, describing the monarch as a symbol of cultural heritage, dignity and integrity.
Tinubu conveyed his felicitations in a statement he personally signed on Tuesday, in which he praised the monarch’s leadership and commitment to preserving the traditions of the Benin Kingdom.
The President also congratulated the traditional ruler on his 73rd birthday, which falls on October 20.
He said, “On behalf of my wife and the Federal Government, I heartily congratulate His Royal Majesty, Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, CFR, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, on his 10th anniversary on the throne of his forefathers and his 73rd birthday on October 20.
“I celebrate His Royal Majesty, an embodiment of enduring dignity, culture, and a historical consciousness that reflects his people and, indeed, Nigerians.”
He described the monarch’s decade on the throne as a significant milestone, noting that it reflected years of royal stewardship, service and dedication to preserving the heritage of the Benin people.
“Your Majesty, this is no ordinary milestone. It is a celebration of ten years of royal stewardship, service, and an unwavering commitment to preserving the heritage and traditions that define the Benin people,” the President said.
Tinubu commended Ewuare II for sustaining the dignity of the traditional institution and inspiring confidence among his subjects.
“For a decade, you have continued to demonstrate your leadership by sustaining the dignity of the Royal institution and inspiring confidence,” he added.
The President also praised the monarch’s wisdom, courage, restraint and commitment to peace, describing him as a symbol of grace and integrity and a guardian of communal values.
“I have watched with keen admiration the wisdom, courage, restraint, and an abiding sense of peace that have underscored your years on the throne. You have remained a symbol of grace and integrity, a fountain of wisdom, a guardian of communal values, and a rallying point for the people’s aspirations,” Tinubu said.
He further commended the Oba’s efforts to facilitate the repatriation of stolen Benin artefacts, describing him as a remarkable custodian of one of Africa’s enduring monarchies.
”I commend your efforts to repatriate the stolen Benin artefacts and your role as a remarkable custodian of one of Africa’s most enduring monarchies,” he said.
Tinubu wished the monarch renewed strength, good health and greater wisdom, expressing hope that his reign would record further achievements in cultural preservation and social development.
“As Your Majesty celebrates another year of life, may this birthday usher in renewed strength, greater wisdom, sound health, and an even deeper inspiration for the young to cherish their heritage.
“May your reign witness greater successes in the cultural and social causes you have championed. Oba gha t’o kpere. Ise!”
—By Olugbenga Ige
