i

ii

EWUARE

THE GREAT

A Historical Play from Benin

Odu Dyke Martin Esq

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EWUARE THE GREAT Copyright reserved

ISBN; 978-978-959-553-2.

This book may not be copied or reprinted for

Commercial gain or profit or used for any

other

Purpose except with the prior request and

permission

Obtained from the author.

Published by 4sight publication.

a division of 4sight International

32 Mission Road, Benin City, Edo State.

iv

DEDICATION

His Majesty, Omo n‟ Oba n‟ Edo Uku

Akpolokpolo,

Oba Ewuare 11 of Benin. And all who hold

fast to Cultural ideals.

v

FOREWORD

History told is a treasure. When written, it becomes

marble-engraved.

The royal history of Benin is vested with intrigues

and suspense which becomes a panoptic visage for

venturing into the once powerful kingdom of pre-

colonial Africa.

Benin fame and militaristic might was not a

happenstance, but the product of the dedicated

shrewdness of the various Oba‟s who ascended the

throne at various times in its tall history. The story

will be told for many generations after we must have

become naught.

In this historical play, Martin has tried to weave a

narrative of the events of the rise and glaring

exploits of one of the greatest Oba in Benin

monarchical history. Ewuare is the Oba who has

remained evergreen in the consciousness of the

culture and people of Benin.

His reign flourished as he conquered many nations

and brought many innovations. As a valiant, he

fought many battles that expanded the kingdom and

fortified it naturally and spiritually. Ewuare‟s acuity

endeared him to his people and helped to form the

external followers that spanned a vast geographical

scope.

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By adopting the nomenclature of one of the greatest

Oba that reigned in Benin, the present Oba has

shown the very essence of history which

prevaricates knowledge of the deed of greatness

and the quest to replicate models that worked in

time past. The acceptance speech he gave at his

installation on the 28th day of October, 2016, was a

reinforcement of the one offered by Ewuare in the

medieval.

A play such as this can only facilitate inculcation of

historical memory of the consciousness of the

people, giving them sense of pride as a people and

helping to rekindle ideals of cultural revival.

By poking on the very essence of Benin monarchy,

Martin is challenging us to find our spot in historical

lessons which we must individually and collectively

preserve.

The play is whimsical in the information offered and

the style adopted. Through the incorporation of

multiple voices, the essence of collective leadership

is forged. It also makes the obvious, which is, that

to reach our collective goals, there is need for

constant dialogue. It was such dialogue that

strengthened Ewuare‟s personality and brought him

closer to his people.

vii

This historical play is timely as we grapple with

modernity and its attendant consequences, which

wreath large today. I cannot think of any better time

for this to be written.

College students, this literal piece is a must as you

begin to understand the essence of Benin historical

memory. It is with the knowledge of its significance

in the vaults of erudition that I will happily

recommend this addition as a potential vignette in

the pieces that will help to further recreate a

comprehensive account of ancient and modern

Benin history.

Professor Ndubuisi Ezeluomba.

University of Florida,

United State of America.

viii

AKNOWLEDGEMENT

Profound gratitude first above all, goes to the

almighty God, who gave me life and sustained me

through this journey of existence.

A thousand thanks go to his royal majesty that

encouraged me in 2006 by perusing the manuscript

transmitted to him through his aide Prince Ogbewe.

My parents and family are also to share in this

epiphany of gratitude.

The creativity that went into the creation of this book

was borne from the patience and nurturing enjoyed

by my folks.

All my teachers and instructors at the Theater Arts

Department, University of Benin are not left out.

Your diligence and willingness to create the

atmosphere of creativity is much appreciated.

Ounce of accolade also go to Loveth Owomwanre

Aghedo for helping me with the Benin songs.

I have always admired Wole Soyinka, and will try to

stand and maintain this creative aperture, which I

hope will be beneficial to humankind

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To those who I have not individually addressed, be

assured that you are very much remembered and

appreciated.

Odu Dyke Martin.

x

EWUARE THE GREAT

DRAMATIS PERSONAE

NARRATOR

OBA OROBIRU

OBA UWAIFIOKUN-Irughe - Oba‟s of Benin

OBA EWUARE – Ogun

IYASE - - - - Prime Minister

CHIEF OLIHA

CHIEF OLOTON - The Uzamas

CHIEF ERO

CHIEF EZOMO

CHIEF OGIEFA

CHIEF IHAMA Prominent Benin Chiefs

CHIEF OLOGBOSERE

EMOTAN - - A good woman of Benin

1

WAVE 1

Benin song

Edo mwen nu wa ooo

Aisagbon rio Oba

Odowa ke ru re ee

Aighi sagbon buomwan oooooo

Ehi o zor mwan gie ooo

Eee…yaa….

English

My great people of Edo

Kingship is not ordained here on earth

It is divinely ordained

Destiny is not chosen on earth

It is divinely chosen by fate.

NARRATOR

In the Benin mythology, succession to the throne is

hereditary and almost an exclusive right of the first

son, however, Oba Ohen was not the eldest son

amongst late Oba Oguola‟s children, he was the

third yet circumstance made him reign over the

people. He further dented the modus by decreeing

that all his four sons should have quick succession

to the throne in a hierarchical order.

Oba Ohen is a very handsome Oba, but

unfortunately as he grew, he became physically

2

weak, thus he lacked the acumen to rule his people

properly. Along the line, he became lame on the

right leg and kept it from his Chiefs, even the Iyase

who is believed to be his closest friend and adviser.

The Oba sent his guards to kill the Iyase, when he

knew that Iyase has discovered his secret, this is

because he felt that people‟s knowledge of his

disability might reduce their loyalty and reverence

for him. When the Chiefs got wind of Iyase‟s

clandestine murder, they all became afraid. They

thought, „if the snake could swallow its own eggs,

what would happen to that of the mother hen?‟ It

was upon this assumption and morbid fear that the

Chiefs connived to murder Oba Ohen in his palace.

After the Oba‟s death, his eldest son Egbeka

mounted the throne, but he was too young and

eventually, he died only after a short time on the

throne and this shifted the mantle of leadership to

his immediate younger brother Prince Orobiru.

Orobiru was said to be weak and as such taken

advantage of. He was lured into banishing his

younger brother Prince Ogun (Ewuare) from the

kingdom simply because of the fear they have for

him.

3

(SCENE OPENS)

At the Oba‟s Palace is seated Chief Oliha and Chief

Oloton patiently waiting for the Oba to emerge from

the inner chambers.

CHIEF OLIHA (In almost a whisper) I think the

reign of Oba Orobiru is quite

rewarding to all his Chiefs.

CHIEF OLOTON That‟s true Oliha, we have

liberty to do whatever we so

wish without his raising an

eyebrow. (pause) Well he still

benefit from it, at least the entire

Chiefs have pledged their

loyalty and continual support to

him.

CHIEF OLIHA But I notice that the people are

not happy with the entire

Uzama‟s and even the Iyase.

CHIEF OLOTON (Interrupting) why?

CHIEF OLIHA Basically because of our

policies, they clamoured to the

Oba by way of protest, but …

4

CHIEF OLOTON (Interjecting) But how come I

was not aware of this?

CHIEF OLIHA The delegates came to the Oba

when you were sent to Ute to

speak to the people on behalf of

the Oba concerning the quarrel

between them and their

neighbours.

CHIEF OLOTON Oh I see, it is true, it is true.

CHIEF OLIHA (Pause for a while) however, the

Oba did not listen to them.

CHIEF OLOTON (Touching Oliha tantalizingly on

the shoulder) my brother, I

thought I was the only one who

has noticed the people‟s

animosity as well as the Oba‟s

defiance, however, I had never

thought the anger was towards

the Uzama‟s.

CHIEF OLIHA That does not even bother me

one bit, the Oba will always be

on our side, he will only listen to

us and not the people. Besides,

if he chooses to stand against

us he will end up like his father.

5

CHIEF OLOTON (Laughing) Ah Oliha! You‟ve

never liked Oba Ohen.

CHIEF OLIHA Well, I have my own personal

reason for disliking Oba Ohen,

but that was not the reason

behind the plotting of his death,

was it?

CHIEF OLOTON No Chief, but I think this

privilege we enjoy today may

not last long.

CHIEF OLIHA Why?

CHIEF OLOTON Prince Ogun.

CHIEF OLIHA (Uneasy) what about him?

CHIEF OLOTON The people‟s love for him is

increasing daily like a

fermenting wine. Besides, he is

strong and vibrant, a complete

contrast of Oba Orobiru.

CHIEF OLIHA And what threat does that pose?

CHIEF OLOTON The eggs of the vulture must

one day be hatched except if

destroyed. Because of the

6

Oba‟s lack of interest for the

people‟s complain, they have

suddenly taken fancy of Prince

Ogun knowing that he will be

the next Oba. Oliha this

premonition is not good, I think it

is pertinent to see the Iyase so

as to know how best to quench

this threatening fire that is

dangerously advancing towards

us. (Iyase enters the Palace).

CHIEF OLIHA Ah! Here comes the Prime

Minister (stands up) may you

live long Chief Iyase, we were

just talking about you.

CHIEF OLOTON Chief Iyase you are welcome.

You will live long; we have just

finished mentioning your name.

CHIEF IYASE I greet you both, hope all is

well?

CHIEF OLIHA All is well but for the fact that

there are beetles in the grain

house.

CHIEF OLOTON (Chief Oliha and Iyase sits

down) Prince Ogun is a threat to

us. Those that are against our

7

policies knowing that they

cannot get the Oba‟s attention

now turns to the Prince, the next

heir apparent to the throne.

CHIEF IYASE (Looking relax) may the gods of

our ancestors be praise, I have

been troubled by that thought,

this act of telepathy is an

indication that the gods are

angry with the conducts of

Prince Ogun. (pause) where is

the Oba?

CHIEF OLOTON He will soon be out, he is aware

that we are waiting.

CHIEF IYASE Yes, my brothers, the same

matter you have raised has

been on my mind and I have

just come to warn Oba Orobiru

against Prince Ogun.

CHIEF OLOTON Warn him! No Iyase, it is safer

to remove an explosive from

within the reach of a child than

to warn him not to touch it.

CHIEF OLIHA Exactly, the Oba always listens

to us, lets persuade him to kill

Prince Ogun because if the

8

Prince becomes Oba after

Orobiru, we will not enjoy these

leverages as he will be too

strong for us to wheel.

CHIEF IYASE It‟s true, I agree with you both,

but how do we convince the

Oba that… (The chiefs quickly

spoke in whisper)

(Just then the Oba emerges

from the inner Chambers and

the three chiefs greet him in the

traditional manner).

OBA OROBIRU (As he sits on his throne) you

are welcome my chiefs

(emphatically to Oliha) why the

long face, I hope all the eggs

are safe in the basket?

CHIEF OLIHA Your Majesty for now, all is well,

but there is a great tremor that

is about to quake and we are

quick to foresee it.

OBA OROBIRU (Anxious) Tremor! The gods

forbid that our land be turned

apart Oliha. What is that thing

that threatens the existence and

peace of this great Kingdom?

9

CHIEF IYASE My lord the thing you seek to

know is as strong as the blood

that runs within your veins, and

it will take a strong courage to

fight against this tide of doom.

CHIEF OLIHA Your Majesty, the snag is your

blood brother.

OBA OROBIRU My brother! (Touching his chest

lightly) which of them?

CHIEF IYASE (Whispering to himself half

aloud). It is often said that he

that is particularly concerned

about a case is also the most

deaf to speculations about its

details.

OBA OROBIRU What was that?

CHIEF IYASE Sorry my lord, I was only thinking

aloud.

CHIEF OLIHA (In a bitter tone) your Majesty,

Prince Ogun is the threat, he is

trying to complete what he has

started.

10

OBA OROBIRU (Angry) Talk! Talk!! Talk!!! Don‟t

keep me in suspense Oliha

what was it he started and how?

CHIEF OLIHA Sorry your Majesty, I hate to tell

you this, but the gods will not

forgive us if we fail to unveil this

treason confirmed by our

collective clairvoyant instinct.

(pause) Prince Ogun is

instrumental to Oba Ohen‟s

death.

OBA OROBIRU (Stands up) No, I don‟t believe

it, that can‟t be true. (Sits down)

CHIEF OLIHA It‟s hard to believe my lord, but

we have chosen to take our

chance in convincing you at

least we will be innocent of not

keeping a close lip. (Advances

towards the Oba) don‟t be

ignorant of the fact that Prince

Ogun was Oba Ohen‟s favourite

and he hardly goes anywhere

without the Prince.

OBA OROBIRU Yes, I know that.

11

CHIEF OLIHA So how come he couldn‟t

mention those that were

responsible for your father‟s

death? Or why was he not also

killed by the murderers?

CHIEF IYASE My lord (stands up) have you

ever wondered why anyone

would want to kill Oba Ohen if

not to usurp power?

CHIEF OLOTON My lord, the murder of Oba

Ohen is not the subject at stake

now.

CHIEF OLIHA Exactly your Majesty, his

present plan to kill you and take

over power is what disturbs us.

My lord we have fulfilled our

obligation of being loyal and

transparent to the crown, It is

often said that what you do not

kill will kill you.

OBA OROBIRU What are you suggesting Oliha! That I order the killing of my blood brother?

CHIEF OLIHA My lord, you must put sentiment

aside, Ogun has to be killed for

the peace of the kingdom.

12

CHIEF OLOTON (Quickly adds) there is no

sacrifice too great for our great

kingdom.

CHIEF IYASE My lord, you are the only one

that can knock him off this

pedestal, you have the

unfettered power. Besides, it‟s

also in your own interest.

CHIEF OLOTON Your Majesty, this is nothing but

taking an elementary caution to

save your throne. History has no

beginning in view and no end in

sight, if we fail to study and

learn from the past, history will

repeat itself.

CHIEF OLIHA At least history will forgive us for

keeping our allegiance of loyalty

to the throne.

OBA OROBIRU (Gently sits down as he

mumbles to himself) my own

blood brother plotting to take my

life! No wonder he is being

exceedingly friendly to the

people.

CHIEF OLIHA My lord, we don‟t have anything

to gain instigating you against

your own blood brother, all we

13

stand and advocate for is the

truth, but if you see it from a

different light…

OBA OROBIRU (Interjects) No! no Oliha, I do

not doubt in any way, I am only

thinking.

CHIEF IYASE My lord, don‟t think of anything

other than vengeance.

OBA OROBIRU (Nodding his head) well, I thank

you all for your loyalty to the

throne, I thank you for intimating

me of the evil plan of Prince

Ogun, but I regret to say that I

cannot have my hands soiled

with his blood, but instead, I will

banish him from the land. This I

will do first thing tomorrow.

CHIEF IYASE As it pleases you my lord.

(The Chiefs greets collectively,

Oba Ghatopere Ise)

LIGHT OUT.

14

WAVE 2

Benin song

Eneze gbe ne tu (2x)

Oma miu nu ya tie erahmwen orisa

Oma ghi miu nu ya tie orie ze o

Otubuo tubuo oo

Nor ghi gbe vbamen

English

He that is drowning in the river

does not have mouth to cry.

He that is drowning in the river

does not have mouth to call his creator

He only makes the drowning noise.

NARRATOR

Prince Ogun and his younger brother Prince Irughe

are seen seated few yards from Oba Orobiru‟s

Palace discussing.

PRINCE IRUGHE My brother, you will teach me

those hunting skills of yours

today.

PRINCE OGUN (Placing his hand on Irughe) I am

going to Eyaen Village to settle

15

the dispute between our brothers

there.

PRINCE IRUGHE (Surprise) but that is the

responsibility of the Oba and his

Chiefs.

PRINCE OGUN Our brother hardly leaves the

Palace, and the chiefs are more

interested in profitable ventures.

Besides, the Odionwere there

has pleaded that I should come

and settle the fracas amongst the

factions.

PRINCE IRUGHE The entire Citizens like you.

PRINCE OGUN Yes that must be because I am

likeable don‟t you think so?

PRINCE IRUGHE (Laughs) I presume so, your

strength, your humour, your

endearing nature and your

concern for the people‟s

problems as well as protecting

their interest are additional

factors for the affinity.

16

PRINCE OGUN (Smiles) you are young my

brother and you have much to

learn about life, even the old do,

for there is no limit to the

yardstick of learning. As a Prince

you must know that power will

not carry you far without

conscience.

PRINCE IRUGHE It‟s not as if I don‟t care at all

about the people, but it‟s just that

I also have my own worries to

contend with even as a Prince.

PRINCE OGUN That‟s true, all men have their

own share of trouble, for life

without problem they say is like

summers without flowers, but

let‟s not allow our prejudice to

destroy our vision and

aspirations as nobles.

(Enter Chief Ezomo and some

royal guards).

CHIEF EZOMO (Very grave) Prince Ogun you

are under arrest, you must come

with me to the palace

immediately (he is circled by four

17

guards as if to prevent his

escape).

PRINCE OGUN (Surprise) arrest! What is my

offence Chief Ezomo?

CHIEF EZOMO I don‟t know, but when you get to

the Palace, the Oba will unfold

the details. So I will advise you to

stop being curious, as curiosity

will only compound your anxiety.

PRINCE IRUGHE Are you saying that you have

come to arrest Ogun without

knowing the crime he has

committed?

CHIEF EZOMO It may seem to you both a

miscarriage of justice, but the

Prince has not been prosecuted,

has he? Besides, I am only

carrying out my duty.

PRINCE OGUN (Angry) then I regret to say that

you have lost your capacity for

rational conduct…..

CHIEF EZOMO (Interjects) Prince Ogun you can

say whatever you like, I know

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how you feel, but remember that

a man cannot sow with a spiders

web, and it will be total madness

to question the Oba‟s authority.

You are a Prince, you should

know better, so please do not

mistake my reticence for

cowardice, I am only doing my

job. Please let us go, the Oba is

waiting. (they led Prince Ogun to

the Palace with Prince Irughe

accompanying them).

(Song heard in the

background)

Benin song

Ehi mwenooo

Lare nu do su mwen ooo

Ee ehi ooo

English.

My fate/personal god

Come and lead me.

(They enter the Palace)

OBA OROBIRU (Springs to his feet) here comes

the traitor, (pointing at Prince

Ogun) you think you can kill me

like you killed our father? Ah, my

19

own brother plotting to kill me. It

is true, the saying that the

household of a man is filled with

all manner of persons.

PRINCE OGUN My lord, I am confused, I don‟t

know what you are talking

about?

OBA OROBIRU Liar! Liar! You traitor; treason is a

capital offence, but thank our

ancestors that you have royal

blood flowing in your vein,

otherwise…

PRINCE OGUN (Interjects) but my lord, you don‟t

jump into midstream to ask for

the source of a river. Whatever it

is you have heard, you have not

asked me, yet you conclude your

Majesty.

OBA OROBIRU (Smiles dryly) I now see the

evidence of your wild drive; you

speak as one already in authority

and have now become very bold.

20

PRINCE IRUGHE (Uneasy) my lord, facts are

profane and more honourable in

the pursuit of truth please…

PRINCE OGUN (Interpose) the Oba has no fact

against me for treason; he only

wants to victimize me because

we are not born of same mother.

OBA OROBIRU (More angry) you fool, what has

this got to do with motherhood?

PRINCE OGUN Then tell me my lord, what is my

offence, and who are those

instigating you against me? Let

me at least hear the truth behind

this supreme conviction before I

die. For I am nothing but an

innocent Prince.

OBA OROBIRU (Grims) the excreta have no

bone, but yet when you step on it

you jump off repulsively. Ogun I

have facts, and I am convinced

by the information given me, so

cut that show of innocence (point

to Ogun). I cannot be fooled by

you, I have always known you,

21

behind that façade of innocence

lies a heart of stone.

PRINCE IRUGHE My lord, I don‟t know whoever it

was that gave you this

information, but I think you

should look into it properly so as

to ensure that it is not a

calculated attempt to set

confusion within the royal house.

Anybody who says that the

Oba‟s fingers was bitten by a

masquerade should have his

head properly examined, for how

can he be sure that spirits have

teeth? (pause) There is need for

precaution my lord.

OBA OROBIRU (Angry), I am beginning to think

that you might be part of this

conspiracy.

PRINCE IRUGHE (Afraid) God forbid! Your

Majesty, I am only pleading for

clemency on his behalf. After all,

we have the same blood flowing

through us.

22

OBA OROBIRU (Sits down) history will not

forgive me if I fail to take a

decision, but history will forgive

me if I take the wrong decision.

(Turns to Ogun) I am not going to

kill you. I will not have your blood

on my hand. Chief Ezomo! (He

calls the Chief).

CHIEF EZOMO Yes, my lord.

OBA OROBIRU You will take Prince Ogun to the

other side of Ovia river (turns to

Ogun) you are banished from the

land, you will only return after my

death, I am not in any way

preventing you from taking your

rightful place of the throne. I

don‟t have anything personal

against you, but I will not close

my eyes and await destruction.

PRINCE OGUN If you don‟t have anything

against me then why are you

sending me away on a lopsided

judgment. I deserve fair hearing

for providence sake.

23

OBA OROBIRU (Stands up) I am the Oba of this

kingdom, to hear me is to obey

me and live, and to disobey me

will be to force me into doing the

contrary. (Turns to Chief Ezomo)

take him away,

(Firmly guarded, they led the

Prince out of the town with

Prince Irughe seeing him off to

Igo village).

PRINCE OGUN (Moody) I have been trapped by

the jaws of misfortune, (shakes

his head) and circumstance has

made me desolate and an

innocent victim of pain.

CHIEF EZOMO I am sorry about this, but all I will

advise is that you should just

believe that there is something

inside of you that is superior to

circumstance, and that your

aspiration will not be cut short if

your hands are clean.

PRINCE OGUN My exile today is quite an

ominous sign of the harbinger of

mysteries and evil that is set to

24

befall our great kingdom. (Turns

to Prince Irughe) my brother, I

will advise you don‟t go back

home remain in Igo otherwise

you may not be fortunate like me

to be sent on exile.

PRINCE IRUGHE (Soberly) life is a river of many

waters; it takes care and

determination not to be drowned.

Ogun, I will remain, I will take my

chance, Osanobua shall be my

guide.

PRINCE OGUN One last thing my brother, try to

be transparent and honest to all

men. Though it is my

transparency that has led me this

way, yet I have no regret. Those

who keep the path of truth

usually suffer persecution, but

they live eternal in the hearts of

their fellow citizens, who they

have served. (Turns to Irughe)

since you choose to return to

Benin, I bid you goodbye here

(they embraced) if I survive this,

the gods will bring us back

together someday, but until then,

25

I cease to be Prince Ogun, I will

now bear Uwaifiokun, for I am

sure that even out there the gods

will bring me fortune.

PRINCE IRUGHE (In tears) may our ancestors go

with you, guide and protect your

paths.

PRINCE OGUN (Equally in tears) may this love

we share never part from our

hearts (they embraced again and

parted).

LIGHT OUT

26

WAVE 3

Benin song

Ehi mwen ooo

Lare nu do su mwen ooo

Ee ehi oo

English

My fate/personal god

Come and lead me.

NARRATOR

Life‟s ups and downs provide windows of

opportunities to determine one‟s value, virtue and

goals. From Usen, Prince Ogun entered Ohosu

forest where he prepared a magic bag which he

called agba-oko and this assisted him in battles.

The prince crossed Siluko River at Izide and

reached Okitipupa the land of the Ikales. He also

traveled to Ijebu.

Prince Ogun was still travelling when Oba Orobiru

died in 1430. For six months the throne was without

an Oba to saddle it. Prince Irughe could not rule for

according to him, his father‟s design was that he will

only rule after Prince Ogun. But nobody knew the

whereabout of Prince Ogun, whether he is dead or

alive. Prince Irughe made an attempt to search for

27

his elder brother, at least to confirm that he was

dead before mounting the throne so as not to create

enmity by way of usurping power. He eventually

concluded that Prince Ogun must have been killed

by some wild animals or enemies, and so he ended

his search and returned home to be crowned the

new Oba.

The new Oba mounted the throne and renamed

himself Uwaifiokun the name which Prince Ogun

had earlier chosen for himself. However, his

countenance was evaded by greed as he eventually

was not willing to submit authority to the rightful

person.

At the Oba‟s Palace

OBA UWAIFIOKUN (Mumbling almost half aloud to

himself) thank goodness those

bunch of misguided fanatics

have been wiped off, only

death and the gods can stop

me from remaining on this

throne. My conscience is clear,

I have not usurped power, I

searched practically

everywhere and safely

concluded that Ogun is dead

before being crowned. Besides,

28

the kingdom cannot remain for

eternity waiting for Prince

Ogun. (smiles) to every dead

end, is a new road. (stands and

walk away from his seat) I

swear (gesticulating with his

finger) I will crush all

oppositions with iron severity.

(Enter Chief Ezomo and Chief

Oliha. They both greeted the

Oba and took their seats).

CHIEF OLIHA My lord, I hear that some

neighbouring kings from the

west are coming to visit your

Majesty.

OBA UWAIFIOKUN That is not my priority for now

Oliha, if they choose to come,

let them come. (Turning to

Ezomo) are there still persons

protesting against my kingship?

CHIEF EZOMO No my lord, there is none

visible for now your Majesty.

CHIEF OLIHA My lord, do you know what

baffles me most about the

29

people? They still sing praise of

Prince Ogun.

OBA UWAIFIOKUN They own their mouths if they

like, let them eat excreta with it,

so long as they don‟t soil me

with it, they are excused.

CHIEF EZOMO If they could raise Prince Ogun

from the grave, I know they

would have long done so.

OBA UWAIFIOKUN (laughs), let them look for his

remains, and breathe the

breath of life into it so that he

may live and crown over them.

CHIEF OLIHA (Thoughtfully) my lord, all this

while, I have not found peace

within me.

CHIEF EZOMO (Laughing) Oliha, where has

your peace gone to?

CHIEF OLIHA This is not a joking matter

Ezomo, I am very serious about

it.

30

OBA UWAIFIOKUN (Shows interest) serious about

what Oliha? You have not

communicated anything to me

yet.

CHIEF OLIHA My lord, security they say is

mortals‟ chiefest enemy. You

may be the Oba of Benin

Kingdom now, you may have

fame and success that brings

to you all the good things of life

but remember, it is only wisdom

that can preserve all these lots.

CHIEF EZOMO (Adjust himself on his seat)

what are you insinuating Chief

Oliha?

OBA UWAIFIOKUN (Impatient) speak out, go to the

point, I don‟t have patient for

many words.

CHIEF OLIHA Forgive me my lord, I do not

intend to keep you in suspense

it‟s just that I am trying to say

many things in one go.

OBA UWAIFIOKUN (Angry) you are still wasting my

time Oliha.

31

CHIEF OLIHA My lord, Prince Ogun‟s death

is based on assumption and

speculation, nobody saw his

remains, so he could as well

show up any time to take his

rightful place.

CHIEF EZOMO (Sitting upright) My lord that will

spell doom for all of us.

CHIEF OLIHA And also bring shame to my

lord‟s moral standing.

OBA UWAIFIOKUN (Slowly stands to his feet) what

a fool I have been not to have

thought of this, and to think that

all these while I have been

myopic (shake his head in

disbelief) Oliha, Ezomo, please

I will want to be alone for now,

you should both excuse me.

(As they made to leave) wait a

minute! Ezomo, you should

send spies to every town in the

kingdom and beyond to watch

out for Prince Ogun, he should

be killed once sighted. There

32

shall be no limit to the sacrifice

I will make to keep the throne.

CHIEF EZOMO I will do that right away your

Majesty (they both leave).

OBA UWAIFIOKUN (Pacing up and down as he

thinks aloud) he shall not

escape the hangman‟s loop this

time. He has no place here; he

has slept over his right to the

throne.

(At this point Chief Ogiefa

enters the Palace greeting the

king in traditional manner).

(Ignoring the greeting) Thank

God you are here, you

arrived at the nick of time.

CHIEF OGIEFA My lord, I hope all is well?

OBA UWAIFIOKUN If all is well, the big rat will not

be seen running and panting at

noonday.

CHIEF OGIEFA What is the problem, my lord?

33

OBA UWAIFIOKUN Ogiefa, I just realized that I

have been neglecting a vital

duty.

CHIEF OGIEFA (Suprise) A vital duty?

OBA UWAIFIOKUN Yes Ogiefa, you see, Prince

Ogun was not practically seen

dead, it was our own

assumption and conclusion, so

what happens if he suddenly

shows up? (Shakes his head) it

will be a historic ridicule for me.

CHIEF OGIEFA But you said he was dead after

your search, what exactly, were

you told by those you inquired

from?

OBA UWAIFIOKUN I cannot recall with particular

clarity, but my summation was

based under high probability.

CHIEF OGIEFA But then, no matter how strong,

probabilities are not as strong

as facts. Beside I don‟t assume

warriors to be dead until I see

their carcass.

34

OBA UWAIFIOKUN (Impatient) so what do we do?

CHIEF OGIEFA First, we send executioners to all

nooks and crannies within and

outside the kingdom to search

for him…

OBA UWAIFIOKUN I have ordered that already.

CHIEF OGIEFA Fine, then the next thing you

will do, will be to win the

loyalty of the entire Palace

Chiefs.

OBA UWAIFIOKUN (With relief) thanks Ogiefa,

what can I do without you?

(They both laughs).

LIGHT OUT.

35

WAVE 4

Benin song

(HUMMING THE SONG)

Ehi mwen ooo

Lare nu do su mwen ooo

Ee ehi ooo

English.

My fate/personal god

Come and lead me.

NARRATOR

Prince Ogun was however told of Oba Orobiru‟s

death and the danger he will face if he decides to

return to Benin, but he was bent on taking what

rightfully belongs to him and so, he disguised as a

pauper and entered the kingdom unnoticed by all

those who sought to kill him, and headed for

Emotan‟s stall pretending to be a customer in want

of food.

PRINCE OGUN (In rags Enter‟s Emotan‟s stall) my

mother, please I want to buy some

food I am very hungry and thirsty

for the journey has been far and

rough for a poor man.

EMOTAN Ah young man, the food I sell has

been exhausted, as you can see,

36

the day‟s business is done

(hesitates a little) well, come inside

let us share the little I have left for

my evening meal.

PRINCE OGUN (Removing his disguise) so all I

have heard about you in the

foreign land is true?

EMOTAN (in shock) Prince Ogun! can this

be real? Ah, thanks to Osanobua

that you are still alive after all

these years.

PRINCE OGUN You still recognize me? Well I am

alive and well. I had to fight with

my hands (stretching out his two

hands) against my half brothers,

spies and all other opposition to

stay alive. I have used my

obstacles to build for myself the

kind of life I wanted, for I realized

all through my adventurous years

that nothing splendid has ever

been achieved by men, except by

those who dare, and so I took my

chance. Though I now have my

own kingdom out there, I have

come to take what rightfully

37

belongs to me now that Oba

Orobiru is dead.

EMOTAN My son, you are the peoples‟ only

hope, they have not been fairly

treated all these years by your

brothers, they have been

intimidated, oppressed and

subjected to harsh policies by the

king and his chiefs. I will help you

get honest men both within and

outside the Palace who will assist

you (she brings out the food and

they begin to eat).

PRINCE OGUN Thank you very much my mother‟s

sister (pause) Eh, there is

something personal I have always

wanted to ask you.

EMOTAN (Draws closer) what is it my son?

PRINCE OGUN When I was told of your

generosity, I was first mistaking

you for some strangers because

as a child, I grew up to know you

as Uwaraye, so what prompted

you to change your name?

38

EMOTAN (Laughs) my son, history is life and

life abhors vacuum. There actually

was a reason for that (pause) you

see, after my many years of

marriage without a child, my

husband became contemptuous

and began to see nothing good in

anything I do. His incessant

complains soon led him to

brandishing me with the name

Emiten, saying that I was lazy and

slow in dispensing my domestic

responsibilities. When he

eventually died, I had no place to

live and sell my wares, which were

melon butter, cotton and other

items. Osanobua however showed

me favour in this market as my

presence brought Ekioba to the

limelight so much that the traders

here started referring to me not

only as Emiten, but also as the

Queen of Ekioba. And it was that

name Emiten that was gradually

corrupted to Emotan by strangers.

PRINCE OGUN (Remorse) he should have been

nice at least…

39

EMOTAN (Interjects) No, I have no

indignation towards him for his

attitude towards me at the latter

days of our marriage. It is common

to note that when a man is worried,

he becomes short tempered

(pause) my lord, that past has no

root in this present circumstance,

eat and rest.

PRINCE OGUN It has my mother, at least you are

here to help me gain the scepter of

authority that rightfully belongs to

me.

EMOTAN (Laughs) It‟s a divine obligation or

maybe it is because I have never

liked Oba Uwaifiokun and his…

PRINCE OGUN (Quickly interjects) Ah don‟t call

that name, the mention of it is like

an orchestra of pain in my system,

I don‟t want anything that will kill

my appetite (pause) when I

discovered that my brother whom I

have trusted and loved with all my

heart has eventually usurped the

power that belongs to me, and

organized a man hunt for my hurt,

40

my mood became as bitter and

foul as the foaming concoction

from the bitter leaves, my

countenance of love fell like a pack

of card, and hate filled the vacuum

(They both wash their hands).

EMOTAN (Soberly) My son, life is like a wild

stream that flows through paths,

and in its endless wriggles and

meanders, are disappearances,

compromises and betrayals.

PRINCE OGUN (Stands abruptly to his feet) one

thing is certain to this meandering

stream, it must reach the ocean

either on its own or through the

help of a bigger stream (moves

closer to Emotan) my mother, do

you know Ogiefa Nomuekpo?

EMOTAN Yes Prince, he is the close friend

of the Oba.

PRINCE OGUN A-ha! I passed him on the way, he

did not recognize me. I am going

to show myself to him now so as to

know whether it is the intention of

41

the chiefs to keep me away from

my kingdom for life.

EMOTAN (stands abruptly) my lord, that will

be a dangerous escapade. Ogiefa

is not the kind of man you can

trust, besides, you look very tired

and needs rest.

PRINCE OGUN (Laughs) Rest has been a strange

word ever since I was sent on

exile.

EMOTAN (Remorse) How I wish he will in all

sincerity welcome you with open

arms like Oba Oguola welcomed

his elder brother.

PRINCE OGUN Perhaps greed has eaten deep

into him, that every other

consideration has become

secondary. My mother, he that the

gods will destroy, he will first make

mad. (As he made to leave) I might

not return tonight, please try and

contact all those who will help me

in this noble cause.

LIGHT OUT.

42

WAVE 5

Benin song.

Edo mu mwen nu wa ooo

Aisagbon rio Oba

Odowa re ru re ee

Aighi sagbon buo mwen ooo

Ehi o zor mwen gie ooo

Eee yaa…

English.

My great people of Edo

Kingship is not ordained here on earth

It is divinely ordained

Destiny is not chosen on earth

It is divinely

NARRATOR

Emotan knew the risk involved in aiding Prince

Ogun, but she did not hesitate in doing it. She went

round the kingdom informing people whom she

knew hated the Oba to support Prince Ogun in

taking his rightful place. At the end of her secret

campaign, she was able to gather some brave men

of diverse social standings ranging from Chiefs,

royal attendants to even farmers. These men

pledged their loyalty to the Prince and even sealed

this pledge with the taking of oath.

43

Meanwhile, Prince Ogun who had left Emotan‟s stall

some days back to see Chief Ogiefa, enters the

stall unannounced, walking into the midst of

anxiously waiting men and in a split subconscious

moment, he pulied out his sword from the sheath

only to realize that they were men who have come

to assist him.

EMOTAN (Quickly speaks to alley

suspicion) my lord, these are

some of the men who decided

to stake their necks and join

you in the fight for justice.

CHIEF IHAMA (Stands in reverence) long live

the lord of the jungle (all the

others stand up and respond –

ghato kpere ise)

PRINCE OGUN My brothers you are all

welcome, forgive me for my

first reaction, it was a natural

impulse. Like masquerade, the

mask has been unveil for

recognition and that revelation

my mother has done (pointing

to Emotan) I am but a child

compared to many on the face

44

of age, yet I have seen hard

times, I have narrowly slipped

through the claws of death not

once nor twice I now see

beyond the perception of mortal

men. I now know that there is

more beyond six than seven.

(pause) Three days ago, I yet

escaped another death trap

from the hands of Chief Ogiefa

and my brother.

CHIEF OLOGBOSERE (Gesticulating to others to

sit down as he sits

himself) my lord, I greet

your courage, I have

known and admired you

from your childhood. Many

warriors have become men

of yesterday not because

their strength failed them,

but because the glory of

Osanobua departed from

them. The success of your

many adventures is an

evidence of your destined

leadership and favour in

the sight of Osanobua.

Great one, there are

45

several route to redemption

and our convergence here

today is the manifestation

of the supreme will of the

gods to fulfill this divine

purpose of taking us

through the route of eternal

bliss.

PRINCE OGUN I thank you for those words

of encouragement. Those

words of praise has added

feathers to my wings, I

shall certainly not relent in

this struggle the people

deserves good

governance.

EMOTAN My lord, what actually

happened at Chief Ogiefa‟s

house?. I was afraid

something sinister might

have happened to you

when you did not return

after two days.

PRINCE OGUN I was with Chief Ogiefa as

planned, he outwitted me

by making me believe he

46

was on my side. He started

by revealing to me the

Oba‟s plan to kill me. He

advised that he should hide

me in a dry well pending

when he and other faithful

will arrange my

enthronement. Unknown to

me, he had gone to inform

the Oba and other Chiefs

of my hide out.

CHIEF IHAMA Eh-Okomwen! So how did

you manage to…?

PRINCE OGUN (Interjects) if it had not

been for Edo, Ogiefa‟s

head slave, who rescued

me by removing me from

the well a day before

yesterday and warning me

against his master, I would

have been dead by now.

CHIEF OLOGBOSERE Ah-ha so that explains it!

PRINCE OGUN (Anxious) explains what?

47

CHIEF OLOGBOSERE My lord, Edo was taken to

the Oba‟s Palace

yesterday and tortured to

death for reasons no one

could tell or dare to ask.

CHIEF IHAMA (Sober) May his soul rest in

peace. Now that the Oba

knows you are around, the

search for you will be

intensified.

PRINCE OGUN Yes, that was why I

headed for Okhoro forest

when I escaped from Chief

Ogiefa‟s death trap.

EMOTAN (In shock) Okhoro forest!

That forest is very

dangerous.

PRINCE OGUN (Stands to his feet) yes, I

was even attacked by a

leopard and a huge snake,

I had to fight for my life,

and with the help of the

gods, I overcame. (Turns

to the men) my brother‟s

time is running out, the

48

earlier we are through with

this business the better.

EMOTAN My lord, the Oba hardly

leaves his Palace these

days, but I hear that

tomorrow, he will leave the

Palace for a traditional

ceremony, and the

procession will pass

through Ekioba.

PRINCE OGUN Good news, Osanobua will

deliver him into our hands.

(pause) do you have

weapons ready?

CHIEF IHAMA (Smiling) yes my lord this

night we shall hide them

under the grasses along

the royal route.

PRINCE OGUN (Looking relaxed) very well,

we will have to take the

oath of allegiance before

parting (they started mixing

the concoction).

LIGHT OUT.

49

WAVE 6

Benin song

Uwaifiokun Eiman nomwan t‟oghe

Uwaifiokun Eiman nomwan t‟oghe,

Erere nu mwen nu ya t‟ oghe

Oe emwin nu mwen ma.

English.

Uwaifiokunit is no good to tell lies

Uwaifiokun it is no good to tell lies

The gain you get from telling lies

Is what you have seen now.

Benin song

No bie omo regba yudu

Ekpen ro hee (6x)

English

He that has a chid

Should tie the child to himself,

The tiger is in town.

NARRATOR

The great encounter gave birth to a factional melee

in which the warrior in the Prince was stretched

beyond snapping point and the bitter flood within

him was raging and foaming like a victim of

epilepsy.

50

There was a serious blood bath, the sight was quite

gory and hair raising like the scene of Napoleon‟s

defeat in Belgium. It can be said to be a day

distinguished by elemental violence. Retribution

was swift and severe, the day was ominous on the

face of its appearance, and this was evidenced by

the heavy hysterical whizzing of a savage storm

which was intermittently punctuated by thunderous

claps without any visible sign of rain attempting to

fall.

Instinct warned Oba Uwaifiokun about the

pregnancy of evil which was about to manifest, but

he was too insensible to adhere. As the Oba

accompanied by his Chiefs came out of the Palace

in a ceremonial procession along the royal route,

one thing they were not certain of was that Prince

Ogun and his men were lying in wait.

Life they say is like a great play before a great king,

full of major and minor actors who are either

protagonists or antagonists, some of whom are deaf

to the reality of truth. But as balance is the first law

of life, there has to be an inevitable contention

between good and evil to bring about this balance.

Hell was let loose at the height of this struggle when

Prince Ogun accosted his brother at Ekioba.

51

CHIEF OLIHA (Speaks to the Oba) My

lord, I think it is the fears

inside you that are making

expressions on your look.

There are many facets of

reality, but only one is real,

others are mere illusions.

CHIEF OLOTON But illusion makes reality

sometimes Oliha.

CHIEF OGIEFA What are you both pre-

empting, that the tiger is

afraid of the jungle?

CHIEF EZOMO You all are mixing up the

facts, it is the worry of

administration that speaks

volume on our great king.

After all, great men they say

carry great burdens.

OBA UWAIFIOKUN Wise men would carry only

the burden which their

strength can stand per time

but fools will carry

yesterday‟s burdens over to

today and further compound

it with tomorrow‟s. My

52

Chiefs, it is not the burden

of the kingdom that weighs

me down, but fear.

CHIEF OGIEFA Fear! How can the Chief

masquerade that picks the

rear in the forest of mystery

be afraid?

OBA UWAIFIOKUN (Grim dryly) the monkey

sweats Ogiefa; it is the hair

that hides it. If not for this

ceremony and it‟s

importance, nothing would

have taken me out of the

Palace. Ever since I

realized that my brother is

within the kingdom, my

capacity for bravery has

evaporated like naphthalene

balls. The truth is that, I am

no match for his strength.

(At this time they were close

to Ekioba where Prince

Ogun is seen talking with

Emotan inside her stall).

PRINCE OGUN (Uneasy) He is drawing

closer, this would have

53

been the proper time to

attack. How I wish I could

join those dispatch dancers

unnoticed.

EMOTAN You can join them if you

choose to, they are all on

your side. You see those

sticks they are carrying?

They are to your advantage

in case they would have to

fight for you.

PRINCE OGUN What would I have done

without you my mother? (He

moves to join the dancers).

EMOTAN (Holding him back) My son,

be careful and don‟t be too

anxious. He that they are

bringing a new wife to must

not sprain his neck in

anticipation. May our

ancestors guide you (she let

go of his hand).

PRINCE OGUN I will be careful my mother,

it is the water that will spill;

Osanobua shall keep the

gourds intact. (The Prince

54

ran out) and quickly joined

the dispatch dancers as

they dance to and fro the

royal personage, the Prince

suddenly stopped in front of

Oba Uwaifiokun and call

him by name).Uwaifiokun!

OBA UWAIFIOKUN Who are you?, (poise for

battle) speak I charge you!

PRINCE OGUN (Smiles) if you don‟t recognize

the lion, don‟t you

Know the lion‟s voice? I

am the wall that stands

while the fire burns. The lion

has no motive for the

throne, it was the greater

power that be, who gave

him the crown.

OBA UWAIFIOKUN Prince Ogun!

(the whole crowd started

shouting ogunre! Ogunre!!

Ogun has come! Ogun has

come! In the midst of this

confusion, Chief Oliha and

Chief Ogiefa made to attack

Prince Ogun, but two flying

55

spears struck them dead

instantly).

PRINCE OGUN Yes, it is me, no apparition,

you can be as sure as

daylight, your own blood

brother whom you sought to

destroy

(He growled in anger as he

cast his spear through

Uwaifiokun‟s chest, the Oba

collapsed and died with a

cry of anguish and no

sooner, a great fight ensued

between both factions and

eventually Prince Ogun and

his men prevailed).

Benin song.

Jawele! Jawele!

Aya kikor ru Ogun Jawele! (2x)

Jawele! Jawele!

Egile aya ru Ogun Jawele! (2x)

English.

Small snail cannot be used as

Sacrifice to Ogun

Only big snail.

LIGHT OUT.

56

WAVE 7

Benin song

Iy‟ Ogun n‟ ovbi Ohen,

O wee, Omaa oo!

Iye Ewuare!

Ovbi Oghomwen semwen nei r‟ovbi ihaba!

Iyoba no mwen ewen ene!

Oye eva gho Oba n‟ Edo!

Oye eva gho Edo n‟Oba!Ovbi egbe

Ovbi egbe no gbe Ekorobe!

Ona ye “Ekorobe” rhi Ovan!

Emwin I wi n‟ oghe Ewuare!

English

“The mother of Ogun the son of Ohen,

I recognize you!

Mother of Ewuare!

The daughter of Oghomwen Semwen,

Who is not the daughter of Ihaba!

The Qeen mother endowed with four breasts!

With two of them she nurtured the Oba for the Edo

people!

With the other two she nurtured the Edo people for

the Oba!

The daughter of the warrior who killed Ekorobe,

And then assumed the”Ekorobe” title.

Preservator of memories owed to Ewuare!

Shower me with your gifts!!!”.

57

NARRATOR

The economy of the kingdom has been spilled

almost beyond redemption. But Prince Ogun‟s

intervention was timely and could be safely

asserted to be an act of God designed to sanitize,

liberate and salvage the entire kingdom by way of

restoring justice and social equality among the

subjects.

The wall of silence anchored in fear has finally been

broken by the liberated moment of truth. The Oba

was indeed loved and welcomed by all. This is the

type of leadership the people want, a leader who

will not betray the will of the led, a leader who in

strength can safely carry the people through in the

face of social and economic torrents. A leader that

will do what his people are entitled to have and not

what he thinks is necessary in spite of odds.

It was the force of this compatibility that brought

Prince Ogun to power in spite of many oppositions.

The tyranny of collective will as they say, is no

doubt superior to the will of a solitary tyrant. And

this we must be sincere to say, was the key element

behind the great crash of the weak but tyrannous

king head Oba Uwaifiokun.

58

The Oba constituted a new traditional council made

up of loyalist who joined him in the struggle. It was

all a blissful moment but for the death of Emotan.

The great Queen of Ekioba died a day before the

Oba was crowned. This death was a great

demoralizer to Prince Ogun for it left a vacuum of

pain that would never be cured.

At the Oba‟s Palace.

PRINCE OGUN My chief, tears of gratitude

clouded my vision when all the

people bowed down in

reverence to me shortly after

the battle at Ekioba. I felt a

sense of belonging and

acceptance by the people I

choose and seek to serve. I

want to use this opportunity to

formally thank you all for your

assistance and pledge of

loyalty. This is an indication

that you are all worthy sons of

your ancestors and noble

custodians of truth. However, I

assure you that history will not

forget those who sacrificed

their lives in the fight for this

course. It is indeed a worthy

59

and noble sacrifice. May

Osanobua richly bless you all.

(they all responded

affirmatively i-s-e-e) Chief Ero,

has those rebel Chiefs who

escaped in the battle been

apprehended?

CHIEF ERO Yes my lord but for Oloton.

PRINCE OGUN (Smiles) then victory is

complete for one is next to

nothing. Elders and people of

Benin land, I hereby make this

declaration, that as from

henceforth, I should be called

and known as OBA EWUARE

and no longer OGUN for as the

name implies the troubles in my

kingdom are over. Also, the

land shall henceforth be called

Edo land, to immortalize Edo

who lost his life in the course of

saving the crown. We shall

always remember him. (Turning

to Chief Ihama) that does not

mean that the last rebel should

escape punishment.

60

CHIEF OLOGBOSERE (Stands up) with all

humility your Majesty, I

think since the cartel of

your enemies has been

broken, the continual

existence of Chief

Oloton will in no wise

constitute a threat to the

kingdom.

OBA EWUARE Chief Ologbosere, can

the banana tree stop the

monkey from loving

banana because it

cannot bear fruit? No,

(he shakes his head) it

will simply go to another

banana tree.

CHIEF OLOGBOSERE That riddle is like

coconut your Majesty, I

cannot split it with my

head.

OBA EWUARE (Smiles) If you are

asking me not to destroy

my enemy because he is

powerless, I tell you,

time will come when he

61

shall gang himself with

strangers against me

(Chief Ologbosere sits

down).

CHIEF IHAMA My lord, all is ready for

the ceremonial visit to

Emotan‟s grave.

OBA EWUARE (Stands to his feet) then

let us go without wasting

time. (They all left in a

procession to Emotan

final resting place).

(At the grave)

This is the choicest

place to bury her

(turning to Chief

Ologbosere) the market

place where she sold,

lived and died.

CHIEF OLOGBOSERE (Nodding his head) there

can‟t be a better spot my

lord.

OBA EWUARE I make this speech and give

this decree in honour of

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Emotan (clears his throat as

he takes the Iruhe tree from a

servant). This woman of

Eyaen popularly referred to as

the Queen of Ekioba, will

always be remembered by our

descendants. She gave me

food when I was hungry, she

gave me drink when I was

thirsty, she gave me refuge

when I was in danger, she

gave me hope when I was

hopeless. It was from her

house that I went out to defeat

Uwaifiokun. She will be

honoured by our children and

grand children and by their

descendants until the end of

time. In her memory I plant

this Iruhe tree, let all Edo

people honour this tree and

always be inspired by her

memory. May her soul rest

peacefully in Osanobua‟s

bosom.

(The crowd responds, Ise-e).

LIGHT OUT.

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WAVE 8

NARRATOR

At the Oba‟s Palace the Chiefs are seated waiting

for the Oba to come and address the council

meeting.

Benin song

Oba Edo evbo mwan

Oba idolevbo ooo (2x)

Oba Edo evbomwan

Nosa ya wemwen ooo

Tugha toe gbe gie rhe ee

Oba.

English

The king of Edo,

King of peace and prosperity

The king god has given to me,

You shall live long on your throne.

SCENE OPENS

CHIEF OLOGBOSERE Eh-hen! Chief Ero I hear

your in-law went to

Emotan‟s grave on the fifth

day of Igho‟s burial.

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CHIEF ERO My brother, that is the

trend now in Edo. If a man

dies his family will on the

fifth day dance round the

grave of Emotan where the

tree is planted.

CHIEF OLOGBOSERE Is that to honour Emotan?

CHIEF ERO (Smiles) yes, to honour her

and also to allow the spirit

of the deceased have an

eternal rest like Emotan.

CHIEF ERO Have you not gone there?

CHIEF OLOGBOSERE To do what? I have not lost

any in-law yet.

CHIEF ERO (Laughs) All Chiefs now

visit Emotan‟s grave also

for preservation. We

believe also that as she

has preserved Ewuare‟s

life, she shall preserve

ours. After all, what are

good for the rabbits are

also good for the rats (they

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all laugh and just then, the

Oba emerged from within,

they all stand in reverence

as they greeted „Oba

ghatokpere Isee!‟

OBA EWUARE (Sits) Great Chiefs and

custodians of Benin

kingdom you are welcome.

Flutes are not just blown

for mere fun, but for

significant ceremonies. I

have summoned you all

here because … (he

pause) Ezomo! I have lost

count of our conquest, but

the homage received so far

is not impressive, what‟s

the matter? (looking at the

tribute gifts)

CHIEF EZOMO My lord, our great kingdom

now has about two

hundred towns and villages

under its conquest.

OBA EWUARE Then where are their

tributes, or have they

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decided to be rebellious

like Iken of Uselu?

CHIEF EZOMO No my lord, apart from Iken

of Uselu other subjects are

responding. The Urhobo‟s

and people from Ondo and

Ife are out there waiting to

pay homage. Your Majesty,

they are still coming one

after the other.

CHIEF OLOGBOSERE (Adding quickly) your

Majesty, those white men

from Portugue are also out

there waiting to see you.

OBA EWUARE Which of them, is it those

teaching me Portuguese

language or the traders?

CHIEF OLOGBSERE Both your Majesty.

OBA EWUARE (Sits upright) they all have

to wait, first things first, my

duty to this kingdom is

prime and uttermost. Like I

was about saying earlier,

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the people of Owo are

making dangerous

advancement toward our

territory. It is true that when

a man expands in

greatness, the number of

his enemies will also

increase. My grandfather

Oba Oguola secured the

kingdom by digging moats

around; I have decided to

dig more moats around the

kingdom. (Pause) I think

that is all for now, the

strangers should start

coming in one after the

other.

(The men who have

come to pay tribute are

seen bringing in heavily

concealed goods).

NARRATOR

What a great leader one will say (nods his head in

approval as he looks towards the Oba) good things

must surely come to an end some day. Oba Ewuare

reigned as one of the greatest among his equals

until he transited to join his ancestors in 1473. He

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will indeed forever be remembered for his unique

attributes and contributions to the Benin kingdom.

It was during his reign that the kingdom attained the

appellation “City”, he also created the seventh

Uzama title called Edaiken. He also decreed that

ascension to the throne shall henceforth be strictly

the exclusive right of the first son (the Crown

Prince).

For 400years, the tree he planted at Emotan‟s

grave side to honour her, remained a reminiscence

of one of his great hallmarks and emblem of the

certainty of death and the uncertainty of life, it is

however pertinent to note that this great historical

tree started dying at the close of the 18th century in

the last year of Oba Akengbuda‟s reign.

However, Oba Osemwende planted another tree

during his reign in the early 19th century and this

lasted for over 100years until 1951 when some

Europeans injected the tree with poisonous

chemical substance and then uprooted it with the

aid of a machine.

Oba Akenzua II who was in power at this time was

angry for the white man‟s lack of respect for Emotan

who he described as the “soul of Benin nation”, and

so the Oba decided to have a statue of Emotan

69

erected to mark the sacred grave, (pointing towards

Ekioba) it stands today near the same market

where Emotan traded, lived and died. Remember,

this was also where Ewuare killed Oba Uwaifiokun.

It is upon this understanding, that one will say that

Emotan‟s memory is most significant to the reign of

Oba Ewuare the great.

Benin song

Oba Edo evbo mwan

Oba idolevbo oo (2x)

nosa ya we mwen

tugha toe gbe gie rhe ee

Oba.

English

The king of Edo

King of peace and prosperity

The king God has given to me

You shall live long on your throne.

LIGHT OUT.

THE END.

70

GLOSSARY

Ghatokpere - Traditional greetings for kings

Eh hen - Exclamation.

Ekioba - The king‟s market

Oba - King

Odionwere - Oldest inhabitant in a village

Osanobua - God

Uzama - Traditional title holders in Benin.

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