A scene from the coronation of Oba of Benin
The ancient Benin Kingdom will come alive today, as dignitaries will converge at the Oba of Benin Palace for the public presentation of one of the greatest anthologies ever put together about ancient civilisations and monarchies in Africa.
The event would serve as a forerunner to the celebration of Edo Festival of Arts and Culture known as Edo Fest, which is scheduled to take place in December.
In a statement by the Oba Ewuare II Foundation in collaboration with the Benin Traditional Council, the presentation of the book, The Benin Monarchy: An Anthology of Benin History, starts at 10am, with President Muhammadu Buhari, ministers, ambassadors, elder statesmen, and traditional rulers in attendance.
According to the Edo State Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Osaze Osemwegie-Ero, the book was written under the authority of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin. He disclosed that former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, (retd), is expected to be the chairman of the occasion, while Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, is expected to be the chief launcher.
“As we present this anthology to the world, we are persuaded that the contribution of our people and recognition for our noble civilisation will go far beyond mere reminiscences of the many distinctions for which we have become famous.
“His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, wrote part of the foreword of the book. It is our hope that this book, as it reveals a veritable trove of images, documents, and artworks, many of which are dispersed in collections around the globe, will contribute to our initiative in encouraging the world to see these iconic artworks restored to their original contexts,” he said.
Speaking at a media briefing held recently in Benin City, Edo State Capital, chairman of the Global Book Presentation Committee (GBPC) Ambassador Marthin Uhomoibhi described the book as one of the most important works and most iconic in recent times, on the revered monarchy and people of the Benin Kingdom.
“The book, which weights about 6.8 kilograms has 18 scholars, some of them the most highly respected authorities within and outside Nigeria on Benin history, 559 pages of meticulously researched articles and 441 iconic images. The launch will herald the unveiling of the culmination of His Majesty’s committed effort to uphold our heritage and effectuate the regeneration of the unique essence of the Benin Kingdom in the consciousness of the world.”
Published by Wells-Crimson Limited under the auspices of the Oba Ewuare Foundation, in collaboration with the Benin Traditional Council, this outstanding artistic quality of the book; right from its red cover and gold letterings, raises the expectations of the reader and, the inside pages do not disappoint in presentation and content.
The exquisite design and lay-out of the inside pages; an extension of the attractive cover, should come as no surprise, as this is the idea and work of Oriiz U. Onuwaje (who also edited the book); a well-trained and vastly experienced graphic artist with an impressive track record of international advertising as well as magazine and book design and production.
In the Foreword, Omo N’Oba Ewuare 11, writes that, “As we present this anthology to the world, we are persuaded that the contribution of our people and recognition for our noble civilisation will go far beyond mere reminiscences of the many distinctions which we have become famous for.”
The preface is by the eminent Professor of History Obaro Ikime, who has admirably continued to use the principles and purpose of African historiography (in conjunction with colleagues like Professor E. J. Alagoa) to correct the deliberate fake history as perceived and documented by the colonial officers.
Indeed, this book affirms the importance, historical relevance and authenticity of the numerous contributions and achievements of the eight-century-old Benin monarchy.
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