Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu of Edo State, in a media interaction in Jattu, Etsako West Local Government, expressed delight hosting the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku AkpolokpoIo, Ewuare 11, nee Ogidigan, at his country home in Jattu-Uzairue. He said that Benin monarch has world-class dignity and respect, noting that it was uncommon for the Oba of Benin to visit an individual, saying that hosting the royal father was a great honour.
Deputy governor Shaibu had stated: “It is uncommon for the Oba of Benin to visit any individual. It was a thing of joy playing host to his Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, who visited my house in Jattu, Uzairue Kingdom, before proceeding to commission the Ogieneni of Uzairue palace and after which he came back to my house, before departing for Benin.
“Indeed, I’m so elated for the royal blessings from the Benin Monarch.
“You could see yesterday was a carnival-like occasion. The excitement, joy and happiness on the faces of Uzairue people was palpable, for having the Oba of Benin coming to commission the palace of Ogieneni of Uzairue Kingdom. The euphoria, the memory will remain ever green.
“The idea of reconstructing the old palace, called ‘Ugwa’ which had been there for over 118 years to a befitting one for the Ogieneni and Uzairue Kingdom was muted by great sons and daughters of Uzairue, too numerous to mention here.
“It was unhealthy for us seeing our royal palace in an old shape in a modern world; receiving visitors in the old place became an embarrassment to us.”
He added: “The old palace is still preserved for historical purpose, while the new one is erected beside it.
“Beyond the building of Ogieneni Palace, another major step taken by us was to unite the entire Uzairue Kingdom by building prototypes of the Ogieneni palace in each of the 22 communities that make up Uzairue Kingdom. These palaces are not going to be owned by any individual chiefs but for the entire community. That means any successor can have equal access to it unlike before.”