The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has organised a pre-launch gathering of the Oba Erediauwa Memorial Lecture Series with the Nigerian historian, Prof. Osarhieme Osadolor, delivering the keynote lecture.
Osadolor said the writings of the late Oba of Benin, his public service and defence of Benin traditions offered valuable lessons in leadership and governance.
The lecture, themed: ‘Oba Erediauwa’s Voice in Discourse: Defining His Intellectual Legacy’, was organised as part of activities marking the 10th coronation anniversary of the current Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.
Osadolor described the late traditional ruler as a philosopher king, whose approach to leadership reflected Plato’s concept of governance guided by wisdom and commitment to the common good.
He argued that Erediauwa’s intellectual legacy deserved greater attention, particularly his writings and contributions to public discourse on governance, education, religion and the economy.
The historian traced Erediauwa’s journey from his early education and public service career to his ascension to the Benin throne in March 1979.
‘Born on June 22, 1923, as Prince Solomon Igbinoghodua Akenzua into the Benin royal family, Erediauwa studied law at the University of Cambridge, England.
‘After returning to Nigeria in 1952, he joined the public service, worked in various government offices and ministries, and rose to the position of permanent secretary before retiring in 1973.
‘He reigned as the Oba of Benin from March 1979, until his death in April 2016, during which he promoted Benin traditions and engaged in wider conversations on national development and public affairs,’ he said.
The lecturer highlighted the late Oba’s literary contributions, including his autobiography, ‘I Remain, Your Obedient Servant,’ and ‘The Cradle of Ideas,’ a collection of his speeches and writings published in 2013.
‘Oba Erediauwa’s writings and public interventions reveal a traditional ruler who understood the value of intellectual engagement and the need to balance traditional institutions with the demands of modern society,’ he said.
In his address, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, SAN, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, also underscored the historical value of Erediauwa’s intellectual contributions.
Omoregie noted that education of the late Oba, his public service experience and writings offered insights into Nigeria’s political development.
The vice-chancellor described the late Oba’s autobiography as an important historical resource, particularly for understanding events surrounding the Nigerian Civil War from the perspective of a former public servant.