[dropcap]B[/dropcap]enin City, Edo State capital yesterday, stood still in honor of Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II as dignitaries from all walks of life stormed the commercial hub of the South-south region to attend his second coronation anniversary.
Unprecedented air and vehicular traffic enroute Benin airport and Oba’s palace respectively, were recorded.
The city airport played host to numbers of both commercial and private jets as security personnel took over strategic locations, before, during and after the ceremony.
Sources revealed that it was a memorable weekend for local airlines operators, officials of Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and other sister agencies, including security personnel operating at various airports in Nigeria, due to the expected exodus of air passengers to the ancient Kingdom.
Though the historic royal event was scheduled to kick off at 9:50am with arrival of guests, before then, there was restriction of movement around Oba Ovoranmwen Square (Ring Road), to reduce traffic congestion in the area and allow space for the activities.
Prior to the event date, the restriction order was announced by the Edo State Government through a statement issued the by the Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Osaze Osemwengie-Ero.
The government release also advised motorists to use the alternative roads around the King’s Square for the period, as there would be traffic officers on duty to guide them.
Our reporter who monitored situation observed that the traffic officers which included the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA) and Public Works Volunteers (PUWOV) had a herculean task controlling traffic during the period.
The agencies recorded commendable success in the entire city but failed to do same in front of the palace. Vehicles were parked disorderly as human and vehicular movements were made difficult throughout the event.
However, it was observed that traffic was Chaotic at the entrance of the palace a situation that made some dignitaries including the state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, State Chief Judge, Justice Esohe Ikponwmen, immediate past Edo State Governor , Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and Mr. Goodluck Jonathan, respectively, wait unnecessarily before gaining access to the venue.
Checks further revealed that the Chaotic traffic was caused by some overzealous security aides who were impatient and breached traffic protocol to usher in their chiefs.
The Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre and Urhuokpota compounds located about 370 meters away from the palace earmarked as parking lot during the event was not used by dignitaries.
The FRSC officer who lamented the situation advised organizers of the event to convey inter-agency meeting when preparing for similar event next time.
The meeting according to him would avail all the agencies a blueprint for traffic management for the ceremony.
