Ehenenden Erediauwa, The New Oba Of Benin (Photo)

Taking after the official declaration of the passing of the Oba of Benin a week ago, the man who will venture into his shoes has risen and his name is Ehenenden Erediauwa, Nigeria’s previous Ambassador to Italy.  As indicated by an insider who addressed Loud whispers: “The Oba assign has served Nigeria in different capacities including acting as Nige­ria’s Ambassador to Italy. He is the late Oba’s first child and the Edaiken of Uselu.

“Ehenenden is a man who has paid his dues. His credentials also speak for him. After a rigor­ous and keen process, he has been selected as the man who will step into the shoes of the late Oba of Benin.”

In the mean time, reasons are starting to developed on why the demise of the late Oba was such a top secret. As per the same source: “The real reason his death was kept a secret was because they want to avoid fights over the throne from contenders to the throne.’’

The source included that quite a while ago in Benin history, such declarations had brought about wicked and rough battles that ended in destabilizing the kingdom, consequently, it turned into a convention that when the Oba bites the dust, his passing is not reported until a commendable successor is picked.

“The new law was enacted to allow for a peaceful and seamless transition. In fact, in those days, the first son never got to meet his father the Oba until the Oba is dead but due to western civilization, these practices have been watered down,” the source revealed.

Another purpose behind the secrecy trailing the Oba’s way out as indicated by the source is that ascend­ing the throne is not a tea party. The Oba elect has to perform cleansing ceremonies to prepare and fortify him for the difficulties of his new office.