Like me you are probably wondering who/ what is the Oba of Benin
The Oba of Benin is the traditional ruler and custodian of the culture of the Edo people in Nigeria. This title has a rich history, with the lineage of the Obas tracing back to the 13th century. The Kingdom of Benin, renowned for its sophisticated governance and artistic achievements, was one of West Africa’s most significant states.
By the late 19th century, British colonial interests intensified. The last independent oba, Ovonramwen N’Ogbaise, ruled until 1897 when British forces invaded and exiled him following a conflict over trade disputes and local resistance to colonial rule. Ovonramwen died in exile in 1914
Restoration of Monarchy: After Ovonramwen’s death, his son, Eweka II, was installed as Oba in 1914 under British colonial oversight. This marked a shift where subsequent Obas acted more as figureheads within the colonial framework rather than independent rulers
Current Oba
The current Oba of Benin is Ewuare II, who ascended to the throne in 2016. He represents a continuation of the monarchy that, while historically diminished in political power due to colonialism, remains a significant cultural symbol for the Edo people today
Role and Significance
The Oba serves not only as a political leader but also as a spiritual figure, embodying cultural heritage and traditions. The position is deeply respected among the Edo people, who view the Oba as a link to their ancestral past and cultural identity
(perplexity)
Recently, the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has made significant statements regarding cannabis research in Nigeria. He has called upon the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to explore the medical potential of cannabis rather than simply incinerating it when seized from drug traffickers. This initiative aims to investigate the therapeutic benefits of cannabis, emphasizing its potential uses in medicine
.During a recent meeting, the Oba highlighted the importance of conducting thorough research into cannabis to better understand its properties and potential applications. He believes that such studies could provide valuable insights that could benefit public health and contribute to informed policies regarding cannabis use in Nigeria
perplixity
