Chief David Edebiri, the Esogban of Benin has passed away after a short illness in a private hospital in Benin City.
He would have turned 94 on September 2, 2023.
A familial source had disclosed that the monarch had passed away at midday (at exactly 12:20 pm).
The source had said:
“The family will follow the protocols so that the formal announcement will be made.”
The Esogban is next in line after the Iyase (Prime Minister) of Benin and is frequently called the Odiownere of the Benin Kingdom.
According to reports, his last significant outing had been during the March 18th Governorship and State House of Assembly elections which had been widely covered by the state’s media.
Chief Edebiri had been a journalist and a writer, and had launched two books in 2022: “Tripod of Life: Essence of Benin Tradition and Culture” and “The Life and Times of Iyase N’Ohenmwen” to celebrate his 93rd birthday.
