That the newly crowned Oba of Benin chose the name of his ancestor, Oba Ewuare N’Ogidigan 1st is still baffling some people. However, we can tell you more about the great king.
Ewuare N’Ogidigan 1st planted the first Emotan tree before Akenzua II commissioned the statue. He started the Ewere ceremony and the Igue festival to commemorate his third year of peaceful reign. Ewuare 1 conquered 201 towns and villages and expanded Benin Kingdom. He was said to have restructured Edo governance.
He added the titles of Ihama N’Iguneromwon, Elema and Eholo N’Igbesamwan, the Uzama N’Ibie (Uzama Minor) group of noble title holders. From all indications, the second coming of Oba Ewuare is likely to be the same. In fact, Oba Ewuare 11 has already commenced reforms to deepen and strengthen the Benin traditional institution.