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BENIN CITY, Edo State — October 15, 2026
The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, is marking the 10th anniversary of his coronation with a series of activities celebrating the history, cultural heritage and traditions of the Benin Kingdom.
One of the major highlights of the month-long celebration is the planned public exhibition of returned Benin artefacts taken away during the British invasion of the ancient kingdom in 1897.
The Chairman of the anniversary organising committee and former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Lucky Imasuen, disclosed that the National Commission for Museums and Monuments would organise the exhibition to give members of the public an opportunity to view some of the artefacts that have been returned to Nigeria.
The anniversary programme is also expected to feature cultural performances by troupes from Nigeria’s South-South and South-East regions, as well as a concert showcasing musicians of Edo State origin.
As part of the commemorative activities, the University of Benin hosted a pre-inaugural lecture of the Oba Erediauwa Memorial Lecture Series. The event celebrated the intellectual legacy of the late Oba Erediauwa, father of the reigning monarch, and explored his contributions to leadership, governance and cultural revival.
Oba Ewuare II, through his representatives at the lecture, reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining his father's legacy and preserving the cultural identity of the Benin people.
The monarch’s 10-year reign has also been marked by efforts to preserve Benin traditions and promote the recovery of cultural objects taken abroad.
The anniversary represents an important moment for the Benin Kingdom, bringing together traditional institutions, academics, cultural stakeholders and members of the public to celebrate the enduring heritage of one of Africa’s historic kingdoms.
As celebrations continue, the milestone provides an opportunity to reflect on the significance of traditional leadership, cultural preservation and the transmission of Benin history to future generations.
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