UNIBEN lecture highlights Oba intellectual legacy in leadership, governance

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has held a pre-launch gathering for the Oba Erediauwa Memorial Lecture Series, with renowned Nigerian historian, Prof. Osarhieme Osadolor, calling for greater recognition of the late monarch’s intellectual contributions to leadership, governance and national development.

Osadolor, who delivered the keynote lecture, said the late Oba of Benin’s writings, public service record and commitment to preserving Benin traditions offered valuable lessons for contemporary leaders.

The lecture, themed “Oba Erediauwa’s Voice in Discourse: Defining His Intellectual Legacy,” formed part of activities marking the 10th coronation anniversary of the current Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.

Describing the late monarch as a philosopher king, Osadolor said his leadership philosophy reflected Plato’s concept of governance anchored on wisdom, responsibility and commitment to the common good.

He argued that Erediauwa’s intellectual legacy deserved more attention, particularly his writings and contributions to public discussions on governance, education, religion and the economy.

The historian traced Erediauwa’s life from his early education and career in public service to his ascension to the Benin throne in March 1979.

READ ALSO; UNIBEN Releases Post-UTME Screening Results, Clarifies “Not Admitted” Status

Born on June 22, 1923, as Prince Solomon Igbinoghodua Akenzua into the Benin royal family, Erediauwa studied law at the University of Cambridge in England.

According to Osadolor, the late monarch returned to Nigeria in 1952 and joined the public service, where he worked in various government offices and ministries before rising to the position of permanent secretary.

He retired from public service in 1973, six years before becoming the Oba of Benin in March 1979. He remained on the throne until his death in April 2016.

During his reign, Erediauwa promoted Benin traditions while engaging in broader conversations about national development and public affairs.

Osadolor also drew attention to the late monarch’s literary works, including his autobiography, I Remain, Your Obedient Servant, and The Cradle of Ideas, a collection of his speeches and writings published in 2013.

He said the works demonstrated Erediauwa’s appreciation of intellectual engagement and the importance of balancing traditional institutions with the demands of modern society.

The historian maintained that the late monarch’s writings and public interventions provided insights into how traditional rulers could contribute to national discourse beyond their cultural and ceremonial responsibilities.

In his address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, SAN, also emphasised the historical significance of Erediauwa’s intellectual contributions.

Omoregie said the late Oba’s education, experience in public service and written works offered valuable perspectives on Nigeria’s political development.

He particularly described Erediauwa’s autobiography as an important historical resource for understanding key events in the country’s history, including the Nigerian Civil War, from the perspective of a former public servant.

The pre-launch gathering provided an opportunity to reflect on the late monarch’s contributions to intellectual discourse and highlight the relevance of his ideas to contemporary leadership and governance.