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Benin City, the historic capital of the ancient Benin Kingdom, came alive today in a rare convergence of cultural pride and royal splendour as the people of Edo State celebrated two significant milestones — the 72nd birthday and the 9th Coronation Anniversary of His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin.

The double celebration, described as a “divine convergence” by Lady Vivian Elabor, Director General of the Edo State Tourism, Culture and Creative Economy Agency, marks not just another year in the life of the revered monarch, but the continuation of a transformative reign that has redefined the essence of modern Benin leadership.

In an official press statement released from her office in Benin City, Lady Elabor lauded the monarch for his visionary leadership, cultural revivalism, and unwavering commitment to fusing tradition with innovation.

“These past nine years have been a masterclass in visionary leadership, brilliantly weaving the sacred threads of our ancient heritage with the vibrant strands of a modern, creative future,” she said. “You have not just occupied the throne; you have revitalized it, making it a dynamic epicentre of cultural renaissance and economic innovation.”

The Director General praised Oba Ewuare II’s successful campaign for the repatriation of Benin’s stolen artefacts, which she described as a monumental step toward both historical justice and economic renewal.

According to her, the return of the priceless bronzes from museums and private collections around the world has done more than correct the injustices of colonial looting — it has opened a new frontier for the creative economy in Edo State.

“The triumphant repatriation of our priceless cultural artefacts has done more than heal historical wounds,” Elabor noted. “It has unlocked a golden key to our future—a future where our returned bronzes are not just relics of a glorious past, but the very foundation of a thriving creative economy.”

Lady Elabor emphasized that her agency, under the guidance and inspiration of the Oba, is committed to transforming Edo’s cultural awakening into a globally competitive creative ecosystem that promotes tourism, empowers artisans, and engages youth in sustainable creative enterprises.

“You have laid an unshakable foundation, Your Majesty,” she affirmed. “Our mission is to build upon it, to transform this cultural awakening into a vibrant ecosystem where creativity is our greatest currency and every son and daughter of Edo can find prosperity rooted in their identity.”

The statement also celebrated Oba Ewuare II’s unique role as a unifier and modernizer, describing him as “a King for the palace and for the digital studio; a father to the master bronze caster and the young tech entrepreneur.”

As part of the commemorations, the Edo State Tourism, Culture and Creative Economy Agency pledged to be the driving force behind the Oba’s visionary blueprint for cultural and creative development. Lady Elabor expressed her agency’s resolve to ensure that “the story of the Benin Kingdom is not just told, but felt, experienced, and invested in across the globe.”

The message concluded with heartfelt prayers for the monarch’s continued health, wisdom, and long reign.

“We pray that the Almighty God and our ancestors continue to endow you with unparalleled wisdom, robust health, and enduring strength,” she said.

“May your years be long, and may your reign continue to be a golden era of peace, progress, and unparalleled cultural and creative prosperity for the great Benin Kingdom and the entire Edo State.”

The double celebration—Oba Ewuare II’s 72nd birthday and the 9th anniversary of his coronation—has drawn tributes and felicitations from across Nigeria and the global Edo diaspora, further cementing the monarch’s place as a beacon of cultural pride, progressive leadership, and the renaissance of African heritage.

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