A prominent traditional title holder, who was third to Oba of Benin, the Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Chief David Edebiri, has died at the age of 93 years on Thursday.
A Family members reported that the late journalist, essayist, and author of several books on Benin culture and traditions, passed away at 12:20 pm in private hospital in Benini after a brief illness
The Esogban, the Odinowere of Benin Kingdom who was ranked third to the Oba of Benin, after the Iyase of Benin, Prime Minister, would have celebrated his 94th birthday on September 2nd.
“He has not been too strong, and we took him to the hospital a few days ago, and he died this afternoon. The family will follow the protocols for the formal announcement to be made,” a family member told journalists.
His last major public appearance, widely reported in the media, was during the March 18th Governorship and State House of Assembly elections, where he mentioned that he had been voting for 72 years, having cast his first vote in 1951 at the age of 22.
While speaking with newsmen in March 2023, the late Esogban said, “I thank God I am alive to vote in this election. I am here to vote as I did two weeks ago. It will interest you to know that I started voting at the age of 22 in December 1951 in the regional election to the House of Assembly elections at Ibadan. We were then part of the Western Region. Since then, I have not failed to vote in any election, be it national or sub-national.
“Some of the things that happened in the last two weeks were just a fluke. Those who voted were not members of the party, they came for certain purposes to make some statements, and when those statements failed, their interests died. The February 25 election was the best I have seen and taken part in since 1951.”
Chief Edebiri, in 2022, unveiled two books which include, “Tripod of Life: Essence of Benin Tradition and Culture” and “The life and Times of Iyase N’Ohenmwen” to mark his 93rd birthday.
