By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin
The Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II, has welcome the first Prince into the royal family, two years after the King ascended the throne of his forebears.
Chief Sam Igbe, Prime Minister of Benin (the Iyase of Benin), announced the birth of the infant Prince who was delivered by her royal Highness, Iyayota Ewuare to journalists at the palace ground on Monday afternoon, amid funfair.
He said “the infant Prince and his mother are in excellent health and good spirits”.
Chief Igbe who conveyed the good wishes of the traditional ruler to journalists, prayed that the Prince will grow in good health, excellence, grace and that he shall be blessed immeasurably by the Almighty God and the great Royal Ancestors with the wisdom, kindness and generosity, knowledge and courage of his illustrious father, His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II.
He said a date for the naming Ceremony will be announced later.
Part of the statement reads: “ By the grace of the Almighty God and the benevolence of our Ancestors, the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) on behalf of his royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin and the Royal palace of Benin kingdom, joyfully wish to announce that her Royal Highness, Queen Iyayota of Benin Kingdom has been delivered of a bouncing baby boy”.
Other prominent Chiefs and the Duke (Enogie) of Evbuobanosa, Hos Royaal Highness, Professor Gregory Akenzua II were present at the heart-to-heart chat with newsmen, congratulated the royal father and members of the Benin royal family.
In a brief remark, Professor Gregory Akenzua II, affirmed the new born baby is the first birth of the infant Prince by the 40th Oba of Benin.
He wished the infant Prince peace and prosperity.
Also speaking, the Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), r Frank Irhabor, said the birth calls for Celebration being the first Prince that has been born into the Benin royal family since the Coronation of the Oba on October 20, 2016.
“We are very happy and grateful to God”, he said.
Minutes after the announcement was made to the public, royal fans took to social media to share their thoughts and goodwill messages to the monarch and Benin royal family.
Our Correspondent reports that welcoming of babies by Benin monarchy are usually marked as a private event in the past.
