Officially, the good people of Benin Kingdom, in Mid-Western Nigeria, hours ago, announced the demise of their traditional ruler, Omo n’Oba n’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Erediauwa 1.
The first class traditional ruler whose real name was Prince Solomon Akenzua was the 38th Oba of Benin, in Edo State.
Born in 1923, he succeeded his father, Oba Akenzua 11, on March 23, 1979. And enjoyed a very, very peaceful and successful reign. Although, on a few occasions he had squabbles with one of his wealthy chiefs, Sir Gabriel Igbinedion of Okada fame.
Now, his son, Prince Eheneden, who at some point was a diplomat, is also set to succeed him.
Late Omo n’Oba n’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo allegedly died months back. But in keeping with tradition as well as to avert the kind of Late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunnade Sijuade’s fiasco in London, the announcement of his demise was delayed pending the sorting out of all the necessary rites.