By Davidson Ogbebor

BENIN CITY — Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday joined prominent indigenes and residents of Benin City to celebrate the 10th coronation anniversary of the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II.

The celebration featured a procession from the Oba’s Palace to the historic Holy Aruosa Cathedral, where the monarch worships, amid traditional music, drumming, singing and dancing.

A mammoth crowd gathered to welcome the revered monarch, offering traditional praises as he arrived at the worship centre. The governor had earlier joined the Oba at his palace before accompanying him on a slow drive to the cathedral.

Residents and traders lined the route as the royal convoy, accompanied by the governor and other prominent sons and daughters of Edo State, proceeded to the cathedral as part of activities marking the milestone.

Groups of men and women dressed in colourful traditional red and white attire also joined the procession, adding cultural significance to the celebration.

Speaking to journalists at the Holy Aruosa Cathedral, Edo State Commissioner for Mining, Mr Kayode Iriabekhai, said the gathering was an opportunity to celebrate a traditional ruler whose reign had contributed to peace in the state.

Iriabekhai commended Oba Ewuare II for his support for Governor Okpebholo’s administration since its inception, expressing hope that the monarch’s reign would continue to promote peace and stability across Edo State.

The 10th coronation anniversary marks a decade of Oba Ewuare II’s reign since his coronation in October 2016, with the celebrations reflecting the enduring cultural heritage and traditional institutions of the Benin Kingdom.