Portrait: Artistic Interpretation · AI-generated · Not a photograph
Exhibit 5 of 5 · The Custodian of Continuity
Oba Erediauwa
Oba of Benin · 1979 – 2016
The Scholar King
A Cambridge-educated administrator who became Oba. For thirty-seven years he guarded Benin's ceremonies, steered the palace through modern Nigeria, and handed the throne to his son, Oba Ewuare II.
Draft · under curatorial review
- Confirm his civil-service posts and Bendel State role.
- Confirm the memoir's publication year.
- Obtain approved real photographs from the palace or family.
Artistic Interpretation · AI-generated · Not a photograph
Before The Crown
Born Prince Solomon Igbinoghodua Aisiokuoba Akenzua in 1923, the son of Oba Akenzua II, he studied at Government College Ibadan, Yaba Higher College and the University of Cambridge.
He spent decades in public administration, reaching the senior ranks of the Nigerian civil service, and later served in the Bendel State government.
Custodian Of Ceremony
Crowned in 1979, he presided over Igue and the other royal festivals. He maintained the guilds and chieftaincy orders that hold Benin's memory.
He described his life of service in the memoir I Remain, Sir, Your Obedient Servant.
Succession
After a reign of thirty-seven years he joined his ancestors in 2016. His son, Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa, was crowned Oba Ewuare II on 20 October 2016.
- Public service
- Ceremony
- Cultural stewardship
- Succession
Royal timeline
1923
DocumentedBorn Prince Solomon Akenzua
1950s–70s
DocumentedCareer in public administration
1979
DocumentedCrowned Oba Erediauwa
2016
DocumentedJoins his ancestors; succeeded by Oba Ewuare II
Narration
Audio narration will appear here once approved.
Sources
- Benin Royal Court — official website
- Barbara Plankensteiner (ed.), Benin: Kings and Rituals — Court Arts from Nigeria (Snoeck, 2007)