The need for the people to revive the rich Benin Culture, Language, folklores, songs and dances topped agenda of the recent meeting held at the Oba Palace with Chiefs, Enigie, Igie-Ohen, Edionwere, youths and market women.
His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, who spoke through the Iyase of Benin, Chief Sam Igbe observed that there was a decline in the speaking of Benin language as well as the practice of Benin folk songs and dances, and called on Edionwere, Chiefs and parents to teach their children these Benin cultural heritage.
The Omo N’Oba also advised parents to teach their children their family greetings, its origin and significance in order for it not to go into extinction, pointing out that family greetings help to identify the lineage of every Benin person.
His Royal Majesty observed that people no longer visit the Emotan Shrine during burial ceremony, adding that the religion one profess does not prevent one from practicing his or her culture and tradition.
The Oba of Benin expressed dissatisfaction with the increasing involvement of Benin people in human trafficking and irregular migration, stressing that these days, youths don’t want to work or learn a trade like carpentry, and brick-laying, only to engage in activities that are not dignifying.
The Benin Monarch used the occasion to remind Edionwere and Enigie that there should be no encroachment into Palace land in their various villages, as they hold it in trust for the Omo N’Oba.
Osadebamwen Omorodion from Iguogun, Daniel Omorogieva Igbinoba from Ikhueniro and Ohen Uleku of Iguomo, Pa Joseph Odeh expressed gratitude to His Royal Majesty for the reawakening of the cultural heritage of Benin, and promised to carry the message of Omo N’Oba to their people.
The meeting was attended by members of the Benin Royal Family, Palace Chiefs including the Oliha of Benin, Chief Edionwe Oliha, the Esogban of Benin, Chief David Edebiri, Enigie, Edionwere, Igie-Ohen, market women and youths.
