Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Monday received a symbolic royal gift from the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, in commemoration of his recent birthday.
The presentation, which took place at the Governor’s Office in Benin City, was led by the Oba’s eldest daughter, Princess (Mrs) Iku Aimiuwu Ewuare, accompanied by Mr Frank Irabor, Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council.
This was contained in a statement signed by Mr Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.
The statement reads partly:”Well, I am short of words as my father, the Oba of Benin is sending me a gift. Well, I am so delighted and very honoured. According to an adage in my community, if you wash your hands well, you can eat with the elders. That is what I am seeing today. For this recognition, I will not take it for granted.”
“Tell the Oba, my father that we are his children and we are committed to him and to the development of Edo State, and that his prayers are working. We will not say what we do not know. What we know, is what we will say, and what we see, is what we will say. Tell him that his prayers for us and the people of Edo State are working. Thank you very much.”Earlier, Mr Irabor, who led the royal delegation, explained the purpose of the visit.
He said the team was sent by His Majesty with the specific mandate to deliver the gift as a mark of honour to the governor.Princess Aimiuwu, who performed the handover, said she came on behalf of her father, the Oba, to present the birthday gift and to extend the monarch’s blessings and wishes of long life and prosperity.