Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has said that he is doing all in his power to ensure that Western lifestyle does not “water down” Edo’s culture and traditions.
He said this on Friday when Vice President Yemi Osinbajo paid him a visit at his palace in Benin, Edo State.
[ads]
Prof Osinbajo was in Benin for the ongoing National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST).
“I have to preserve the culture and tradition of Benin kingdom because I know no other,” the monarch said.
“We are doing our best to ensure that our culture and tradition are not watered down by Western culture. I reassured the international community that Nigeria is a great nation and not as bad as they project it to be.”
He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for giving two ministerial positions to Edo, in addition to other appointments.
He also commended the state government “for bringing NAFEST to Benin to celebrate my birthday and third coronation anniversary.”
Osinbajo, however, thanked the Oba for the support given to art, which he described as “a unifying factor for Nigeria.”
He said: “Art unifies this nation. There is no country in the world that has as much languages and sub-culture like Nigeria.
[ads]
“When people talk or speak in terms of separation and disunity, they fail to note that our diversity is our strength and our bond.”
The Vice President also congratulated the monarch on his birthday and third anniversary on the throne.
