The best of traditions and culture of Benin and Ile-Ife Kingdoms were on display during the visit of Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin to Ooni of Ile Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi on Saturday.
This is coming as the Palace sources recalled that the immediate past Ooni, Oba Okunade Sijuade and late Oba of Benin, Oba Erediuwa both exchanged visits at different times of their reigns.
But, the Saturday’s visit was the first Oba Ewuare would pay to the present Ooni, Oba Ogunwusi, after the latter witnessed his coronation last year.
From music to appearance of palace messengers, it was clear that Ife and Benin Kingdoms have alot in common, even as various cultural troupes from Ile Ife and Benin added colour to the historical visit.
In his address, Oba Ewuare, commended President Mohammadu Buhari for giving good attention to security challenges facing the country, but expressed concern about incessant herdsmen- farmers clashes, illegal migration and human trafficking, kidnapping and armed robbery, the development complicated by the porous border, especially in the North East.
He urged President Buhari to do more in tackling the issues to ensure peaceful coexistence among Nigerians of various ethnic background and beliefs.
He averred that the visit to Ife was to foster better understanding between the two kingdoms, even as he called for emphasis on what unites the Ife and Benin Kingdoms.
Ooni Ogunwusi, in his remarks, declared that Ife and Benin Kingdoms belong to the same family, adding that gains of the visit would be built upon, to foster more cordial relationship between the two kingdoms.
Ooni added: “If not for the time constraint, I would have loved us to visit where Oranmiyan was buried. He was king in Benin, Oyo and Ile Ife, where he died and was buried.
“This visit will be used to solidify our relationship. Ife will continue to protect what belongs to us as people of similar heritage. I thank you for keeping Benin culture and tradition intact. Without culture, we can’t grow as a nation.”
Reacting to what Oba Ewuare said about security challenges in the Northern part of the country, Oba Ogunwusi said royal fathers must assist the political leaders in the country the more, in tackling security infractions across the country.
He added that community policing should be adopted with royal fathers playing a prominent role, using their subjects to monitor their domain.
The two monarchs later visited “Orun Oba Ado”, in order to pay homage to all Benin kings believed to have been buried in the place, the culture that only ceased in about hundred years ago, when the practice was stopped by the British Colonial masters.
BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA, Osogbo
