Akpata, Idaiye, Freemasons Join Oba of Benin To Mid-year Thanksgiving

His Royal Majesty, Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, yesterday marked the 2024 Mid-year Thanksgiving service with his family at the Holy Aruosa Cathedral in Benin City, where the royal father attended his Crossover Service last December.

Groups, including members of the Royal family, HRH Sule Idaiye, the Imma of Somorika Clan in Akoko-Edo, joined the Oba to Thank his ancestors and God almighty for his mercy and good health since he ascended the throne of his forebears.

Also, palace chiefs, Enigie (Benin Dukes), priests and priestesses, candidate of Labour Party in the September 21 2024 Edo State governorship election, Mr Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata were present at the service, which featured soul-lifting songs, prayers, and unique performances by an Igbo cultural dance troupe, professional hunters, and members of Oodua Peoples Congress, a sociocultural organization, as well as other dignitaries who paid tributes to the royal father.

The service offered Oba Ewuare II’s subjects to acquaint themselves with the royal father as a dependable beacon of hope for Edo people at home and diaspora.

Members of the Freemasons, led by former deputy vice chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. George Eriyamremu, offered the masters’ songs in honour of the Oba at the event, during which the children gave good accounts of themselves.

The presiding priest of Holy Aruosa Cathedral, Ohen-Osa Edibiri Igbinoghodua, who delivered a sermon titled, ‘patience’, prayed for continuous peace in Edo State and the Oba.
Igbinoghodua, who cited examples and illustrations to support his sermon, urged believers in God to persevere to win the battles of life.

Oba Ewuare II Queens and the eldest daughter of Oba Ewuare, Princess (Mrs) Ikuoyemwen Ewuare-Aimiuwu, opted for elegance in their unique attires at the Royal event. At the event, notable philanthropists, including Chief Osarumwense Egharevba, Toghobaghase of Benin, and a Benin-based businessman, Mr Anthony Ndive, were acknowledged for their support of humanity.

The thanksgiving service climaxed with a royal procession by the Oba, who danced joyously with his family, guests, and worshippers to soul-lifting songs in appreciation of God.