Chief Iyase, the first Okao Eguae to emerge from the Benin Palace, will be in charge of bolstering the traditional leadership systems
Chief Emmanuel Iyase has been nominated as the new Okao Eguae (District Head from the Benin palace) for the Ologbo and Ehor Dukedoms, which are situated in the Ikpoba-Okha and Uhunmwode Local Government Areas of Edo State.
This appointment was made by the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II. Chief Iyase, who will be the first Okao Eguae to emerge from the Benin Palace, will be in charge of bolstering the traditional leadership systems that are present in these regions.
Included in his responsibilities is the supervision of the Dukedoms, where 69 other dukes—including the 69-year-old Enigie (Dukes) of Ologbo, Prince Owen Jackson Akenzua, and Ehor, Chief D. E. Igiehon—were deposed for alleged rebellion against the Benin monarchs.
Oba Ewuare II cautioned the newly appointed Okao against engaging in immoral behavior that could damage the Dukedoms’ reputation or the Oba’s authority during the Ekpomwen-abor, an appreciation ceremony that follows the conferment of a chieftaincy title at the Ugha Ozolua axis of the Oba Palace in Benin City.
Oba Ewuare emphasized the importance of Chief Iyase’s cooperation with the Dukedoms’ Edionwere, who are the elders of the Dukedoms and other influential figures in the Benin monarchy’s power structure.
Chief Iyase thanked Oba Ewuare II and pledge to continue being a good citizen for the sake of the people and the advancement of the Ologbo and Ehor Dukedoms as a whole.