Popular Pan-Africanist group Neo Black
Movement of Africa (NBM worldwide), through
its president Bemigho Eyeoyibo, has described
the passing away of Oba of Benin, as a great
loss to the entire Black race.
President of the group Bemigho Eyeoyibo at a
press conference, extended condolences and
sympathies of the members of NBM of Africa
worldwide to the family of Omo n' Oba N Edo
Uku Akpolokpolor, Oba Erediauwa, the crown
Prince Eheneden Erediauwa, Edaiken n' Uselu
and to the people of the great Bini kingdom.
Oba Erediauwa's life spanned from before the
birth of democracy in Nigeria through its
emergence as a critical force within the
Nigerian economy and a leader among Nigeria
kings and the Africa nations.
According Eyeoyibo on behalf of the group, the
late Oba was a symbol of truth, peace and
justice.
He said: "He has been fully committed to
truth, peace, justice and equality even during
the days of the military era in Nigeria. Oba
Erediauwa took bold steps in advancing the
peace initiatives amongst political leaders,
government dignitaries and ethnic
communities, endeavours that will outlive him
as an enduring contribution to the quest for
peace and development in the Nigeria nation."
The NBM president however stated that the
late king's labour, during his active days will
always be reckoned with.
"His service as a permanent secretary in the
Nigeria ministry of health before being
crowned as an Oba will reflect his service to
humanity and the Nigeria nation.
"At home, Oba Erediauwa's vision was
dedicated to the development of his people
and to greater achievements and engagements
with the outside world. His commitment to the
education of the Edo people can be seen in
his strides and contribution to Education.
"He also served the then Bendel state as a
commissioner of Finance and all of these will
allow NBM of Africa justify our statement of
describing him not just as an Icon but also,
the Oba who served his people."
"This beautiful character and leadership can
be traced to the doggedness and fatherly
character of his father Oba Akenzua whose
prayers still lead our noble movement.
NBM of Africa found love with him as one of
our first patrons in 1977 where he prayed that
the "death of NBM of Africa shall never be
heard". Our relationship, loyalty and reverence
to the palace of Bini kingdom which means a
lot to us will continue to grow as long as NBM
lives.
Eyeoyibo said: "Today we commiserate with
the entire Benin kingdom and the good people
of Edo state. It should be known that our
history as a movement will not be completely
written if we leave out the role Benin city and
his wonderful people has played in seeing to
our continuous growth over the years since
our formation in 1977 to date.
"We have always found love with Benin city
the cradle of black civilisation, we have always
found love with the Oba's palace from the
reign of Oba Akenzua till date, and we are
convinced this love will continue. As a
movement we will declare a seven (7) days
mourning period in reflecting our heavy
hearts," he said.
In another development the national publicity
secretary of the organization, Comrade Melvin
Udo, briefed the press on their forthcoming
38th annual national convention and 12th
annual lecture series with the
theme;reinventing African Resource Potentials
for Global Economic Growth.
According to Udo, the event slated for the May
25-28, in Warri, promises to be an epoch
making event for members, families and
friends will come from all over the globe to
celebrate one of the biggest black conscious
groups in the world.
He concluded that speakers will also be drawn
from all sectors and visitations will be made to
monarchs and the IDP camp in Benin Edo
state, to give back to society and also
commiserate with crown prince and good
people of Benin Kingdom; amongst other
programmes lined up for this event.
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