The Oba of Benin, Oba Erediauwa, is ill, the Benin Traditional Council announced on Monday, ending weeks of speculations over the state of health of the royal father.
The council, in a statement signed by its Secretary, Mr. Frank Irabor, also announced the suspension of all public engagements in the palace, including settlement of disputes, “until further notice.”
The statement reads, “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.”
