Return-Path: M: [log in to unmask] (Unverified)
X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Pro Version 2.1.2
Mime-Version: 1.0
>
PRINCE EDUN AKENZUA' S SPEECH:

The Oba said, inter alia:
                "Another important traditional ruler whose origin deserves
examination is the Oduduwa of Ife whose origin is also shrouded in myths and
legend.  He is believed to be the father of the principal rulers of Yoruba
land, the father of Oranmiyan who was the the father of EWEKA 1 of Benin and
who was the founder and the first Alafin of Oyo Kingdom;
Ife traditional history says Oduduwa descended from heaven ( in a like
manner to the Edo account).  Some modern historians say that the great
Oduduwa was a fugitive from the Moslems of the Middle-east and that he came
to settle in what is present -day Ile-Ife.
We in Benin believe, and there are historical landmarks for such belief,that
the person whom the Yoruba call Oduduwa was the fugitive Prince EKALADERHAN,
son of the last OGISO OF BENIN by name OGISO OWODO;
he found his way to what is now Ile-Ife after gaining freedom from his
executioners and wandering for years through the forests. It was after the
demise of his father and when, in the interregnum, Evian, and later his son
Ogiamien, tried to assume the kingship, that those who knew that Ekaladerhan
was still alive organized a search party to fetch him.  It was this search
party that emerged at Ile-Ife and discovered Ekaladerhan, known then to the
people of Ile-Ife as Oduduwa and already enjoying the status of a King.
After failing to persuade him to return with them to Benin, they succeeded
in getting him to send his son, ORANMIYAN, to rule Benin...."

This part of the story is not widely known especially outside Benin.  This
is not the first time the BENIN-IFE CONNECTION has been discussed.  It also
will not be the last time.  But this is probably the first time the
Benin-Ife connection and the origin of Oduduwa have been discussed out of
the realm of myths, esoterica and magic.
The story we have just told will rattle some established legends and
beliefs.  Those who hold primordial beliefs may even feel that such beliefs
are threatened or challenged.   But the time has come for chroniclers to
tell stories about Africa dispassionately if African history is to survive
the often  hard and harsh scrutiny of modern assessors.

Let me now discuss some attributes or qualities of Benin Kingship.  As has
been shown, monarchial system of administration has lasted about one
thousand years in Benin.  During that period, a special relationship built
on primordial norms and usage, developed between the people and the king.

a) The king is OSA N'OBUWA N'AGBON (God-on Earth).
He is the spiritual and temporal head.  He is held in great reverence and
only referred to in absolute terms.  It is a taboo to pronounce his name.
He is referred to as " EKPEN" or EKPEN N'OWA" ( The Leopard or the The
Leopard of the Manor). Leopard the mammal is EKPEN N'OHA ( Leopard  of the
jungles).  The adoption of the name "Leopard " in reference to the king is a
metaphoric expression  which is intended to show the similarity between the
King and the King of the Forest.  Both  inspire fearsomeness and awe.
b) As God-on-Earth, he does not indulge in the natural functions of
earthlings such as sleeping or eating.  Thus it is not said " the King is
asleep:," rather , EKPEN RU IRRU" which literally means " the Leopard is
roosting."
c) In obvious reference to the immortality of God, it is said the King never
dies.  Such transition is euphemistically referred to as "OSORHUE B'UNRUN" (
The Big mould of White clay chalk is broken) or "OWEN D'OKUN" ) The Sun has
descended into the depths)

Kingship in Benin has some basic similarities with the same institution in
Britain and some European countries, especially in the mode of ascension to
the throne.  This is strictly by the principle of primogeniture although, in
Benin, unlike Britain and Europe, to the exclusion of the female child.

Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you for your attention.


FOOTNOTE:
That is it, Ladies and gentlemen ,especially those who wanted to know the
Benin Palace's views about this aspect of Edo/Yoruba History.  The issue is
not that of supremacy. It is giving accuratre account of historical
incidents.  Like Prince Edun Akenzua's said, the Oduduwa tradition among the
Edos surely rattled some people especially Yorubas (not necessarily
historians who already knew that a different tradition existed in Benin but
preferred to ignore it ).

WISHING EVERYBODY A HAPPY AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR FOR OUR FAMILIES,
FRIENDS, OUR OLD COUNTRY  AND NEW COUNTRY FROM WHICH WE HAVE TAKEN REFUGE
FOR ONE REASON OR ANOTHER!!!
Iyi Eweka.
>
>
>