10th CoronationAnniversary

In just ten years—a sefirot period of divine perfection—the Oba has turned pragmatism into legacy. From his first acts, he showed uncommon resolve. One of his earliest and boldest moves was to ban all Community Development Associations (CDAs) across Edo South’s seven Local Government Areas. These groups had morphed into armed militias terrorizing citizens over land. The Oba’s declaration paved the way for the Edo State Government to criminalize their activities—restoring sanity to land administration. He has since systematically revived Benin Native Laws and Customs in matters of marriage, inheritance, dispute resolution, and ethical guardianship.

Conscious of the dehumanizing scourge of human trafficking, the Oba took unprecedented spiritual action. He summoned chiefs, priests, and Enigie, and in a single stroke, revoked all curses and oaths placed on trafficked victims. He declared them free—spiritually and psychologically—from fear of death or repercussion. It was a king’s decree that liberated thousands.

No legacy of this decade shines brighter than the campaign for the return of artifacts looted in the 1897 British invasion. As primary custodian, Oba Ewuare II has led a relentless global crusade—not just for bronze and ivory, but for the very dignity of the Benin people. The results are historic: President Muhammadu Buhari, by a March 2023 Presidential Gazette, vested sole ownership of all returned artifacts in the Oba. In June 2025, the Netherlands returned 119 priceless pieces, including royal regalia and plaques. From Cambridge to Aberdeen, from the Smithsonian to the Met, the artifacts are coming home.

The Oba has transformed the nearly 800-year-old palace into a modern diplomatic hub, hosting presidents (Buhari, Obasanjo, Gowon), vice presidents (Osinbajo, Shettima), and traditional rulers—the Sultan of Sokoto, Emir of Kano, Etsu Nupe, Ooni of Ife, and Oba of Lagos. But he has also gone out. He visited Calabar to honour the memory of Oba Ovonramwen, exiled there in 1897. He was feted in Warri, Sokoto, Bida, and Kano. In Esan land, as he arrived, the sun and moon appeared together—seen as divine approval. In Auchi, the Afemai people greeted him with their grandest cultural display.

One stunning innovation: open mediation at the Ugha-Ozolua palace ground. For the first time, women—traditionally excluded from the inner chambers—can now present grievances directly to the Oba. He also inaugurated the Benin Customary Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee, placing seasoned jurists and chiefs to deliver justice rooted in culture.

He commissioned The Benin Monarch: An Anthology of Benin History (The Red Book)—a definitive chronicle. He launched the Oba Erediauwa Annual Lecture Series, tasking university scholars to expand Benin’s historical narrative. He posthumously installed his mother, Princess Ikuoyemwen Akenzua, as Iyeoba N’Uselu (Queen Mother)—reviving a tradition last seen under Oba Esigie in 1504 AD.

The Oba has opened his court to Christians, Muslims, and traditional worshippers alike. He visited a church for the first time after coronation in December 2019, and later addressed the Catholic National Pastoral Congress—a profound act of interfaith leadership. He has been installed as Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, and of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). He holds the national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) and has been named “Most Outstanding Traditional Ruler on Arts and Culture” by the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization. Through the Oba Ewuare II Foundation (established 2017), he empowers youth with vocational skills, scholarships, and anti-trafficking efforts.