New Oba of Benin crowned as Ewuare II

The newly-crowned monarch of the ancient Benin Kingdom will be known as Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku’ Akpolokpolo Ewuare 11.
He unveiled his official title on Thursday at the presentation of staff of office ceremony, which was attended by the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, and the host Governor, Adams Oshiomhole.
There was also the King of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who shares the same ancestral Oranmiyan link with Ewuare.
The coronation had earlier been performed secretly according to the demand by tradition, before the presentation ceremony.
The News Agency of Nigeria correspondent, who witnessed the event, reports that the crowning ceremony was performed at about 3am at Usama Palace, far from the prying eyes of cameras and newsmen.
The crowning at the Usama palace was performed by the Usama N’ Ihiron, also known as the Edion, led by Chief Oliha.
Chief Oliha was supported by other powerful rulers in the kingdom, including the Edion, Edohen, Ezomo, Ero, Eholo N’ Ire, Oloton and Edaiken.
A mammoth crowd later escorted the new king from Usama palace to Orho-Okpata in Benin.
The crowd had waited patiently while chanting songs of praises and incantation before the King came out exactly 1:05pm and finally left the palace by 1:20pm.
As it is the ritual, the Oba of Benin walked through Oreogene and stopped by at Oloto palace, one of the seven Chiefs that performed the crowning ceremony at dawn.
The Oba thereafter visited a shrine at Iwehen junction to pay homage.
Then he walked through Ibiwe and later arrived at Urho-Okpota, where the crowning was officially performed by Chief Oliha of Benin.
Among the dignitaries were Iweghe, Iwebos, Ibiwe chiefs and youth, Ogbelaka chiefs, Isiemwenro guild, Ifieto, and Edigin N’Okakun.
The new monarch had relocated on October 11 to Usama palace to perform coronation rites after spending three days at Urho-Okpota.
He was presented a staff of office by Governor Oshiomhole.
The new Oba was born on October 20, 1953 and crowned on his birthday.
He has three wives.