By Gift Esumike and Raphael Innocent
A Nigerian historian, Prof. Osarhieme Osadolor, has called for greater recognition of the intellectual contributions of the late Oba of Benin, Oba Erediauwa.
Osadolor made the call on Monday while delivering the keynote lecture at the pre-launch of the Oba Erediauwa Memorial Lecture Series at the University of Benin (UNIBEN).
The renowned historian said the writings of the late Oba of Benin, his public service and defence of Benin traditions offered valuable lessons in leadership and governance.
The lecture, themed: “Oba Erediauwa’s Voice in Discourse: Defining His Intellectual Legacy”, was organised as part of activities marking the 10th coronation anniversary of the current Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.
Osadolor described the late traditional ruler as a philosopher king, whose approach to leadership reflected Plato’s concept of governance guided by wisdom and commitment to the common good.
He argued that Erediauwa’s intellectual legacy deserved greater attention, particularly his writings and contributions to public discourse on governance, education, religion and the economy.
The historian traced Erediauwa’s journey from his early education and public service career to his ascension to the Benin throne in March 1979.
“Born on June 22, 1923, as Prince Solomon Igbinoghodua Akenzua into the Benin royal family, Erediauwa studied law at the University of Cambridge, England.
“After returning to Nigeria in 1952, he joined the public service, worked in various government offices and ministries, and rose to the position of permanent secretary before retiring in 1973.
“He reigned as the Oba of Benin from March 1979, until his death in April 2016, during which he promoted Benin traditions and engaged in wider conversations on national development and public affairs,” he said.
The lecturer highlighted the late Oba’s literary contributions, including his autobiography, “I Remain, Your Obedient Servant,” and “The Cradle of Ideas,” a collection of his speeches and writings published in 2013.
“Oba Erediauwa’s writings and public interventions reveal a traditional ruler, who understood the value of intellectual engagement and the need to balance traditional institutions with the demands of modern society,” he said.
In his address, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, SAN, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, also underscored the historical value of Erediauwa’s intellectual contributions.
Omoregie noted that education of the late Oba, his public service experience and writings offered insights into Nigeria’s political development.
The vice-chancellor described the late Oba’s autobiography as an important historical resource, particularly for understanding events surrounding the Nigerian Civil War from the perspective of a former public servant.
“His autobiography is an important historical resource because it provides insights into Nigeria’s political development, including the civil war era, from the perspective of someone who served in public office,” he said.
He also commended Erediauwa’s commitment to peace, conflict resolution and the preservation of Benin culture.
He described the memorial lecture series as an opportunity to introduce younger generations to the Oba’s life, ideas and contributions.
Speaking through his representative, Prof. Victor Igbineweka, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) of UNIBEN, Oba Ewuare II said the initiative was designed to preserve his late father’s intellectual legacy and promote scholarship, good governance and cultural preservation.
“The essence of this lecture series is to preserve and promote the intellectual legacy of my late father, whose life and reign demonstrated the importance of scholarship, wisdom, good governance and cultural preservation,” the traditional ruler said.
Ewuare II announced March 23, 2027, as the anniversary of his father’s coronation, the date for formal inauguration of the memorial lecture series.
He explained that an earlier committee set up to organise the programme had failed to commence work in spite repeated reminders, necessitating the constitution of a new committee.
Earlier, Mr Lucky Imasuen, former deputy governor of Edo, and chairman of the Oba Ewuare II 10th Coronation Anniversary Committee, urged participants to uphold Erediauwa’s values, particularly his commitment to scholarship, good governance and cultural preservation.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured a cultural performance by the Inneh Theatre Troupe and an interactive session. (NAN)
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Edited by Usman Aliyu/Chioma Ugboma
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