Mounting concerns over Omo N’Oba of Benin’s health

The Benin Traditional Council, Edo State announced on Monday that the paramount ruler of Benin Kingdom, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolopkolo, Erediauwa, the Oba of Benin is indisposed.

This is coming on the heels of mounting concerns over the Oba’s health which had fueled speculations in some that he may have joined his ancestors. Some online platforms had actually reported that he was dead.

The monarch has not been seen in public for some weeks, and he was unable to receive the presidential candidates of the PDP or APC, President Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari respectively when they visited the ancient city.

The council, in a statement signed by its Secretary, Mr. Frank Irabor, also suspended ‎public engagements in the palace, including settlement of disputes, “until further notice.”

It, however, urged all palace chiefs and functionaries ‎to perform their “routine traditional duties as usual.”

‎The statement read, “It is hereby announced for the information of the general public that, in the Palace parlance, ‘Uhunmwun ve Ekpen vb‎’ Ato,’ meaning the Leopard is ill in the Savannah bush. The explanation is that Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolopkolo, Erediauwa, CFR, Oba of Benin is indisposed.

 

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