Benin residents queued up on Sunday to catch a glimpse of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, during his solidarity walk on New Year Day in Benin City, Edo State.

The walk to the palace started after a thanksgiving service at the Holy Aruosa Cathedral (Edo National Church of God) on Akpakpava Street to climax the annual ‘Igue festival.’

The monarch was accompanied by members of the Benin Royal family, chiefs, dukes (Enigie), Benin residents, worshippers in the church and palace functionaries during the procession through the Oba Ovonramwen Square where fun seekers at the National Museum and traders in the locality trooped out to pay homage to him.

Adjoining streets, linking the King Square were temporarily shut down during the procession by the Oba who is the spiritual leader of the church amidst cultural dance, cheers and songs of oration eulogising the monarch.

During the church service, Oba Ewuare II, with members of the royal family and Oloi (queens) gave thanks to God and the ancestors.

In a sermon titled, ‘Iwero’ (Greedy people), the presiding Priest of Holy Aruosa Cathedral, Ohen-Osa Igbinoghodua, cautioned secessionist agitators including some Dukes (Enigie) involved in outrageous activities in Benin Kingdom to retrace their steps in order not to incur the wrath of God and ancestors.

Igbinoghodua also advised groups conspiring with Dukes in Benin Kingdom to administer certain areas in the kingdom on behalf of the Oba, not to divide Benin Kingdom.