Oba Ewuare II

 

Early Life and Education of Oba Ewuare II

Born 20 October 1953 as Eheneden Erediauwa, he is the son of the late Oba Erediauwa, his Father. He received his secondary education at Edo College (1965–1967) and Immaculate Conception College (1968–1970) in Benin City.

He earned his A-Level Certificate from South Thames College, London. He then obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Wales, UK, and a Master of Public Administration from Rutgers University Graduate School, New Jersey, USA.

Upon completing his formal education, he worked at the United Nations between 1981 and 1982 He subsequently entered the Nigerian diplomatic service, holding appointments as Ambassador to Sweden (with concurrent accreditation to Norway, Denmark, and Finland), Ambassador to Angola, and Ambassador to Italy.

His diplomatic tenure occurred during pivotal periods of Nigeria’s international relations, and his performance earned respect for adept statesmanship.

Oba Ewuare II Ascension to the Throne and Title

On 20 October 2016, he was crowned the 40th Oba of Benin assuming the regnal name Ewuare II in honor of the revered Ewuare I of the 15th century His coronation reaffirmed continuity in the Eweka dynasty, and he affirmed his place in an unbroken imperial lineage.

Reign: Cultural Restoration and Reform of Oba Ewuare II

Since ascending the throne, Oba Ewuare II has championed cultural revival, administrative reform, and social justice.

Cultural Heritage and Bronze Repatriation: He has led efforts to reclaim looted Benin Bronzes. In 2021, for instance, a bronze was repatriated by the University of Aberdeen; in February 2022, he received another from Jesus College, Cambridge

Social Advocacy against Human Trafficking: In 2018, he publicly denounced trafficking, revoking juju-based oaths and issuing a spiritual curse against traffickers and complicit priests lauded as more impactful than many international interventions.

Promotion of Civic Peace: During the 2020 Edo State governorship election, he urged political actors toward peaceful conduct gaining recognition from civil groups for maintaining stability.

Heritage Scholarship and Infrastructure: He personally penned the foreword to the Red Book, a comprehensive historical compendium of the Benin Kingdom correcting misconceptions about titles, succession, and roles (e.g., clarifying that the Crown Prince is the Edaiken N’Uselu rather than a "duke") .

He also inaugurated the Oba Ewuare II Satellite Town in Ugomoson in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State to boost decentralization, economic activity, and youth empowerment.

Institutional Roles and Recognition of Oba Ewuare II

He serves as Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria, reflecting his engagement with national educational development National Open University of Nigeria. On 20 October 2024, coinciding with his 71st birthday and eighth coronation anniversary.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu commended his reign for strengthening cultural preservation, traditional leadership, and participatory governance.

Legacy and Public Perception of Oba Ewuare II

Oba Ewuare II is widely seen as a progressive monarch balancing tradition with reform. His initiatives ranging from youth empowerment markets to cultural revitalization reflect a compassionate, forward-looking kingship. Civil voices affirm his impact in restoring both dignity and meaningful progress to the Benin Kingdom.