Is Oba of Benin Dead? Traditional Council speaks

Earlier today, viral reports claimed that his Royal Majesty, Omo n’Oba n’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Erediauwa, the Oba of Benin, 92,  had passed on after been on the throne for 36 years.

Well the Benin Traditional Council, said it was a mere speculation, which had been on for over six months and lacked truth.The Secretary to the council, Mr. Frank Irabor, explained that it was the responsibility of the council to issue a formal statement, if such a development did occur.

He said, “

They have been peddling that rumour for more than a year now, because the Oba has not been coming out.If there is anything like that, there is usually a statement from the palace or from the Benin Traditional Council.”

Although the spokesperson did not specify whether or not the Oba was hale and hearty, he said that inability of the President Jonathan to see the monarch, when he visited the palace, did not give credence to his rumoured death.

“The fact that he has not been coming out, even when the President came last week, does not mean that there is anything like that‎.” I don’t bother about rumours. I believe in getting information from the authentic source. For more than six months, they have been carrying the rumour,” he added.