Eheneden arrived at about
4pm in company with his royal entourage and received a rousing welcome from a
large crowd, who showered praises on him.
He proceeded to the palace
with the Edigin N’Use, Ekpen Kelvin Edigin.
The crown prince of Benin
Kingdom, His Royal Highness, Eheneden Erediauwa, on Tuesday visited Use
community in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, where he picked a name he
would bear as the new Oba.
The ceremony was part of
the traditional rites ahead of Eheneden’s coronation on Thursday.
At about 2.30pm, many
residents were seen rushing towards the palace, while those that arrived
earlier were seen around the perimeter fence of the building.
Various traditional groups,
including Benin chiefs, were also present.
The heir apparent later
played the traditional game of pebbles (Akhue) while a large crowd of residents
watched with admiration.
Although, the name chosen
by the prince was not announced after the game, it was learnt that it would be
made public on Thursday.
Eheneden later proceeded to
Ugbo shrine where he prayed for God’s guidance and protection.
Meanwhile, the Edo State
Government has declared Thursday as a public holiday.
According to a statement
signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, the
public holiday was declared in honour of the crown prince.
Ihonvbere added that the
holiday would give residents of the state the opportunity to witness the
coronation and ensure a hitch-free exercise.
Also, in preparation for
the coronation of the new Oba, an adjustment has been made in traffic flow
within the state capital and alternative routes provided for motorists.
The coronation planning
committee said the adjustment would take effect from midnight of October 18.
In a statement signed by
the Chairman of Media and Publicity Sub-committee, Josef Omorotionmwan, the
committee listed some of the affected roads as Airport Road, Sapele Road,
Sakponba and Akpakpava.
…5,000 policemen to be
deployed for coronation
The Edo State Police
Command has said that no fewer than 5,000 policemen would be deployed on
Thursday in Benin for Prince Eheneden Erediauwa’s coronation.
The Commissioner of Police,
Haliru Gwandu, said the deployment became necessary due to the large number of
personalities expected to attend the event and the need to provide adequate
security.
Gwandu spoke on Tuesday
while parading 44 suspects arrested for various offences including kidnappings,
pipeline vandalism, cultism and communal land tussles.
The Deputy
Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Joshak Habila, had prior
to the September 28 governorship election promised that the police would
provide adequate security during the coronation.
Gwandu said that the police
had decided to remain proactive to make sure that the peace in the state was
not disturbed by unwanted individuals.
He said, “We have information that the occasion is attractive
to the international community, ambassadors from the USA, ambassadors from the
UK, our neighbouring countries, our paramount rulers, and of course, the crème
de la crème of the society.
“So, we have to ensure that
the society is safe (and) our people are protected. We will do everything
humanly possible to protect the citizens, prevent the influx of misguided
elements because of these important dignitaries that are coming.”
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