A ROYAL VISIT BY OLU OF WARRI TO OBA OF BENIN

A ROYAL VISIT BY OLU OF WARRI TO OBA OF BENIN
By: Desmond Agbama, CPS to Oba of Benin
The age long relationship between Benin Kingdom and Warri has been further cemented with the Royal visit of His Royal Majesty, OgiamieIkenwoli, Olu of Warri to His Royal Majesty, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin.
The visit showcased the very rich culture of the Benin and Itsekiri, and the Oba of Benin says the visit is a sign of good things to come.
The Benin Monarch said his visit to Warri earlier this year was a post-coronation thank you tour and commended the Olu of Warri for the warm hospitality accorded him, members of the Royal family, Chiefs and other members of his entourage.
Oba Ewuare II thank God and the ancestors for reconnecting the two Kingdoms, and prayed for God and the ancestors to bless the Olu of Warri, members of his household, chiefs and people of his kingdom.
Earlier, the Olu of Warri who was accompanied by his queen and son as well as senior palace chiefs said he was in the Palace of the Oba of Benin to thank the Omo N’Oba for honouring him with his Royal visit, which according to him re-enacted the age long relationship, adding that they emanated from Benin Kingdom.
The Olu of Warri wished the Oba of Benin good health, wisdom and long reign on the throne.
Highpoint of the visit was cultural display by Inneh Theatre Troupe as well as the presentation of gifts to the Olu of Warri by the Oba of Benin.
The Oba of Benin also received Dr.ElodieApard from France and AnttiKuronen, the foreign correspondent of the Finish Broadcasting Company.
Oba Ewuare II told the European visitors that the Palace would not relent in its determined efforts to fight against illegal migration and human trafficking, pointing out that the fight has been backed by relevant laws by the state government, while the Palace has made Royal pronouncement against the illicit acts.
The Omo N’Oba said those who still engage in the acts should be ready to face the consequences.
His Royal Majesty told the visitors that Benin City is the hub of artistic creativity, custom and tradition, and that efforts are being made to correct the narrative about Benin City being the hub of human trafficking.
The Omo N’Oba said the Oba Ewuare II Foundation was set up among other objectives, to engage in advocacy, sensitization and campaign against human trafficking and illegal migration and charged the European Union and other international bodies to support the work of the foundation.
Dr.ElodieApard and AnttiKuronen, the foreign correspondent of Finish Broadcasting Company commended the Oba of Benin for the good work he is doing to check the problems of illegal migration and human trafficking.
They presented letters of testimonies from some victims of human trafficking in Europe to the Oba of Benin and solicited for their restitution.