Palace Finally Confirms Oba Of Benin Illness,Cancels All Engagements

The Benin Traditional Council on Monday announced that the Oba of Benin, Oba Erediauwa, is indisposed, after weeks of speculation over his health.
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.
“Public engagements, including courtesy visits, hearing of complaints from individuals, families and communities, and in particular, complaints over inheritance and land disputes, are therefore suspended until further notice. All palace chiefs and functionaries are to note that their routine traditional duties continue as usual.”