Oba Erediawua took on the title and duties as traditional head of state and rightful heir of the ancient Benin Empire when he was crowned, succeeding his father, Oba Akenzua II, in a ceremony held in Benin City, March 23, 1979.
The Iyase (Prime Minister) of Benin Kingdom, Sam Igbe, made the announcement in a statement that said simply, “the King has reunited with his Ancestors.”
Similarly, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, in a statement, said: “Our hearts are heavy, laden with pains and grief, at the announcement of the passing on to glory of Omo n’Oba n’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa of Benin, our highly revered Oba.”
Oshiomhole, expressed sadness over the passage of Oba Erediawua “a distinguished Edo numero uno, an accomplished Nigerian, a seasoned bureaucrat, quintessential unifier, unique personage and exemplary Omo n’Oba, whose reign brought distinction, immense class, finesse and integrity to traditional institution in Edo state and the country at large.”
