Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolopolo, Ewuare II, has urged all Edo residents to observe precautionary measures and comply with government’s guidelines to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the state.
The monarch, who is the Chairman of Edo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs, in a recent visit to Government House to assess government’s response to COVID-19, urged Edo sons and daughters at home and in Diaspora to be very cautious as the infectious disease is dreadful and scary.
He noted that considering the level of damage caused by the virus in developed countries of the world, it was imperative for Edo sons and daughters to be wary and follow directives of the government, aimed at keeping the people healthy and safe.
Oba Ewuare compared the pandemic to the ‘Black Death’, also known as the Pestilence, which was the most devastating pandemic recorded in human history, resulting in the deaths of up to 75-125 million people globally.
The traditional ruler said, “The virus is even more than what they used to call Black Death in Europe in those days, just that it wasn’t global; but COVID-19 is global and not limited to any region.
“Although we have our governments, both at state and federal levels trying to allay our fears over the pandemic, but it’s really very dreadful. You have to be very cautious; be scared of this virus.”
“If schools and businesses are being closed in Nigeria and institutions are shutting down in the United States, United Kingdom, and other developed countries of the world; If Nigeria is barring travel from European countries that used to be our supposed greener pastures, where our people used to run to for better lives, then this is a very serious matter,” he added.
