President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, on his 10th coronation anniversary and 73rd birthday, praising his commitment to preserving Benin heritage, promoting peace and supporting efforts to repatriate stolen Benin artefacts.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Ewuare II, on the 10th anniversary of his accession to the throne and his 73rd birthday, commending his efforts to preserve the cultural heritage and traditions of the Benin Kingdom.
Tinubu conveyed the goodwill message in a State House press release issued on Tuesday, October 20, on behalf of himself, his wife and the Federal Government.
The President described the milestones as an opportunity to celebrate the monarch’s decade of royal leadership, dedication to cultural preservation and commitment to sustaining the dignity of the Benin traditional institution.
He praised Oba Ewuare II as an embodiment of cultural identity, historical consciousness and enduring dignity, noting that his leadership reflects the values of the Benin people and Nigeria at large.
According to Tinubu, the monarch’s 10 years on the throne have been marked by a commitment to preserving the heritage and traditions that define the Benin Kingdom.
The President said the Benin monarch had demonstrated wisdom, courage, restraint and a strong commitment to peace throughout his reign.
Tinubu noted that Oba Ewuare II had continued to uphold the dignity of the traditional institution while inspiring confidence among his people.
He further described the monarch as a symbol of integrity, a source of wisdom, a guardian of communal values and a rallying point for the aspirations of the Benin people.
The President’s tribute highlighted the importance of traditional institutions in preserving cultural identity, strengthening communal bonds and sustaining Nigeria’s diverse heritage.
Tinubu also commended Oba Ewuare II for his efforts to facilitate the repatriation of stolen Benin artefacts, describing him as a notable custodian of one of Africa’s most enduring monarchies.
The Benin Bronzes and other historical objects taken from the Kingdom during the 1897 British punitive expedition have remained central to international discussions about restitution, cultural ownership and the return of looted African heritage.
Efforts to recover these artefacts have become an important part of preserving the historical legacy of the Benin Kingdom and reconnecting future generations with their cultural roots.
Tinubu’s tribute recognised the monarch’s role in advancing these cultural causes and safeguarding the heritage of his people.
As the monarch marked another year of life, the President prayed for renewed strength, greater wisdom, sound health and continued inspiration for younger generations to appreciate and preserve their cultural heritage.
He also expressed hope that the Oba’s reign would record further achievements in the cultural and social causes he has championed.
Tinubu concluded his message with the traditional expression, “Oba gha t’o kpere. Ise!”, reaffirming his goodwill towards the Benin monarch.
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