President Muhammadu Buhari and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Yakubu Dogara, were among those who mourned the highly revered traditional ruler of Benin Kingdom, Omo n’Oba n’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa, shortly after his death was announced yesterday by Edo State Governor Adma Oshiomhole.

A statement by Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) Femi Adesina said his principal received with sadness and an immense feeling of great national loss, news of the Oba’s passage.

He said: “On behalf of the Federal Government, President Buhari extends sincere condolences to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, the people of Benin Kingdom and Edo State on the passage of the beloved monarch who had ruled over his people since his ascension to the throne in 1979.

“The President extends special commiserations to Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa and other members of the late Oba's immediate family.

“President Buhari assures them of the fullest sympathy and solidarity of the Federal Government and all Nigerians as they mourn Oba Erediauwa who will always be remembered as one of the most outstanding traditional rulers of his era.

“As the late Oba goes to join his very illustrious royal ancestors, President Buhari believes that his place of honour in the history of the Benin Kingdom and Nigeria has been assured by his long and highly successful career as a public servant, administrator and chief custodian of the much celebrated culture and traditions of his people.

“The President prays that God Almighty will receive the late Oba’s soul and grant him peaceful repose.

“He also prays that God will grant Crown Prince Erediauwa the wisdom and courage he will require to build on the laudable legacies of Oba Erediauwa.”

On his part, Rt Hon Dogara in a statement signed by his spokesman Turaki Hassan, noted that the late Oba’s legacy of peace will continue to make impact in the Edo nation and the entire country for generations to come.

“The Edo nation will always remember the late revered monarch as a royal father who loved peace and mediated disputes with fairness. Nigeria has indeed lost a dependable royalty and jewel of peace,” the Speaker lamented.

He described Oba Erediauwa as a peace maker who devoted his life and time in preaching peace and building bridges of love and friendship.

“The Beni kingdom during his 37 year reign witnessed unprecedented progress, peace and stability and by his demise the nation has lost a rare gem, a father and leader per excellence,” Dogara said.

He extended special condolences to the government and people of Edo State and the entire Benin kingdom for this monumental loss and prayed God to grant his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss

•Photo shows late Oba Eradiuwa.

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