Oba Erediauwa’s wife, Oloi Evbagharu dies at 60

The Benin Royal Family has announced the passage of one of the wives of late Oba of Benin, Oba Erediauwa, who recently joined his ancestors. The Olori Evbagharu Janet Erediauwa (nee Agho) died on August 20, 2016, and went to be with the Lord.

She was number two of the three remaining wives of the late Oba Erediauwa when the Oba joined his ancestors. The late Oloi was born in Benin City on the January 6 1956, to the families of Pa Thompson Osaikhuwuomwan Agho of Arah in Ovia Local Government Area and Deaconess Egbemwoghaye Ibinoba (nee Oasuyi-Ero) of Oredo Local Government Area in Benin City.

She attended the then Benin Divisional Council No.4 Primary School, popularly known as BDC4 in Benin City between 1963 and 1969, where she obtained her primary school leaving certificate. Thereafter, she proceeded to Okada Grammar School, Okada, Ovia South Local Government Area in Benin, between 1971 and 1976, where she obtained her Ordinary Level School Certificate. She was one of the pioneer students of Okada Grammar School.

Oloi Evbagharu Janet Erediauwa got married in 1978 to His Royal Majesty Crown Prince Solomon Igbinoghodua Aisiokuoba Akenzua, who later became OmoN’ObaN’EdoukuAkpolokpolo Oba Erediauwa, CFR.

In spite of her royal status, Oloi Erediauwa believed strongly in the sanctity of one Spirit that comes through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ that sanctifies the innermost part of one’s being. She therefore, devoted the better part of her life to the pursuit of things of the heavenly kingdom. Her belief was that once you get cleaned up in your spirit; it will be reflected in one’s character and conduct.

Oloi served God, the church, and man, with all that she had. She lived and taught kindness, humility, love, faithfulness and patience. She daily ministered to the needs of others, especially the less privileged in the society. She died at the age of 60 with a surviving daughter Mrs. Sylvester Ebodaghae, and grandchildren.

In a flurry of tributes her church members wrote; “We are sure it was a beautiful moment in heaven when the angels received a worthy ambassador into the Father’s bosom.” Another tribute entitled the “Christian Queen” Princess (Mrs.) IvieUwa-Igbinoba, Deputy Director (Research), Head of Edo State Zonal Office of the National Council for Arts and Culture, wrote, “your magnanimous gesture which my husband still talks about till tomorrow will forever stick in our memories.”

The burial rite of the Oloi began on Friday February 3, with the lying in state, service of songs and tributes. On Saturday February 4, funeral service/interment took place in Benin City. Today is thanksgiving service at the Christ Embassy Church in Benin City.