The President Muhammadu Buhari led federal government has nominated the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, for the prestigious national award of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) of Nigeria.
The rare honour, which is part of activities to mark Nigeria’s 62nd Independence Day anniversary, would be formally conferred on the monarch by President Buhari.
The letter of nomination for the award was formally presented to the First Class traditional ruler by His Royal Highness, Sule Idaiye, Imma of Somorika last Friday in his Palace in Benin City, Edo State Capital.
metrowatchxtra.com understands that “CFR” is the highest national honour that is conferred on any citizen of Nigeria for his/her contributions to the development of the nation, aside from the President and the Vice President.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Oba of Benin, Iguobaro Osaigbovo reads, “There was a regal splendour and clasping when the personal letter dated 16th September 2022 was read in the presence of Palace functionaries, Benin Palace Chiefs, Dukes, Royal family and guests who came to pay homage to the traditional ruler in the Palace.
“The letter was issued on behalf of the President by the office of the National Honours and Awards in the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Abuja.
“The award of recognition which is slated for October 11, by the federal government, is indeed a banner year of Celebration for the HRM, Oba Ewuare II and the Bénin Kingdom because it coincides with the month of the Royal father’s 6th Coronation anniversary.
“Besides, the recognition is also coming within a calendar year after the Nigeria High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Ishola, presented two repatriated artefacts — a Cockerel sculpture from Jesus College in Britain and Uhun Oba Elao’s bronze burst otherwise known as the King’s head, from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland to great Benin throne, via a Presidential directive.”
The statement said Oba Ewuare II thanked President Buhari for the unprecedented move, and prayed God and his ancestors to guide the nation in addition to good health, wisdom to carryout his duties and responsibility placed on his shoulders by his ancestors.
“This announcement has come and we are grateful to God Almighty and our ancestors. I am just as excited as you are. We are happy about the news. I want to use this opportunity to thank Mr. President”, the statement quoted the monarch as saying.
“Last year, he directed Nigeria High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador to personally bring the two artefacts from Scotland and Aberdeen and present them to me in Oba Palace. That was an unprecedented move by the President.
“We are grateful to Mr. President, and now, he has honoured us with Commander of the Federal Republic. We will command well. I pray that God Almighty gives me more wisdom to carryout my duties and responsibilities that have been placed on my shoulders”, Oba Ewuare added.
