The Edo State Government has declared a 5-day public holiday with effect from Tuesday, May 3, 2016 to mourn the Oba of Benin.
In a special announcement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Kassim Afegbua, only those on essential services in hospitals, health centres, the Fire Service and others are exempted from observing the public holiday.
The Nigerian National Flag is expected to be flown at half-mast across the state during the 5-day mourning period while work is expected to resume on Monday, 9th May, 2016.
As a mark of honour and respect for the revered Royal Father who recently transited to immortality, all government offices, establishments and parastatals have been urged to fully comply with the directive.
The Benin Traditional Council on April 29 officially announced the transition of the Oba of Benin, Omo N’oba N’Edo Uku Akpolopkolo Erediauwa I.
After the official announcement, the Crown Prince, Eheneden Erediauwa, returned to Edaiken in Uselu for the continuation of the ceremonial rites that must be performed before he would ascend the throne.
Oba Erediauwa was crowned Oba of Benin on March 23, 1979.
He died at the age of 92.
