President Muhammadu Buhari was represented by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the coronation of Oba Ewuare II of Benin and this is the president’s message to the new king: “Your great father, in Mr President’s days as Minister of Petroleum, served the Federal Government in the same building as a Permanent Secretary. Mr President said to me that your late father was one of the most principled and forthright Nigerians that he ever met.”

“Your Royal Majesty, the Obaship of the Benin Kingdom is not just a source of pride to the Edos but also to Nigerians and indeed to the African people. The tradition of resistance to colonial oppression and superior administration is well known in Benin Kingdom. This ceremony is not merely a celebration of your kingship, indeed your walk through your kingdom to this place of your coronation, speaks of the great obligation and privilege, the obligation of protecting the cultural rites of the people, in promoting their well being.”

“We are gratified that your meritorious service as Nigeria’s Ambassador to several nations and your sterling work in the oil and gas industry stand you in good stead to fulfil this obligation that your incumbency in the throne of your ancestors impose. Most of those who know you are convinced that you will discharge this responsibility with great wisdom and integrity that your ancestors had displayed. On behalf of the government and people of this great nation, I congratulate you on this momentous and historic occasion and assure you of our full support, especially for the Royal Dynasty Trust programmes, for Youth Employment and poverty alleviation which your royal majesty has set out”.