Remembering the Eson N’Erie of Benin Kingdom and her Legacy
Early Life and Background
Oloi Esther Omoyenmwen Erediauwa (née Osunbor) was born in 1940 or 1941 (exact date not widely documented) in the Benin Kingdom, Edo State, Nigeria. Hailing from a distinguished family, she grew up immersed in the cultural and spiritual traditions of the Edo people, preparing her for a life deeply intertwined with the royal institution.
Marriage to Oba Erediauwa
Esther Omoyenmwen married Oba Erediauwa, who would later reign as the Oba of Benin from 1979 to 2016. Upon her marriage, she assumed the prestigious position of Eson N’Erie, traditionally the leader of the royal harem and senior wife of the Oba. In this role, she wielded considerable influence in palace affairs, ceremonial events, and the guidance of junior wives within the royal household.
Role and Influence in the Benin Kingdom
As Eson N’Erie, Oloi Esther Omoyenmwen Erediauwa played a multifaceted role:
Cultural Custodian: She upheld and promoted the rich customs and rituals of the Benin monarchy, particularly those involving women of the palace.
Palace Leadership: She was responsible for mentoring younger wives, managing the royal harem, and participating in key traditional ceremonies.
Public Representation: Her presence at festivals, coronations, and cultural events reflected the dignity and heritage of the Benin royal family.
Her coral bead regalia, traditional attire, and ceremonial accessories, often captured in photographs, remain iconic symbols of her high-ranking status within Edo royalty.
Later Life and Passing
Oloi Esther Omoyenmwen Erediauwa passed away on January 18, 2014, at the age of 73, after a lifetime of service to the palace and the people of the Benin Kingdom. Her death marked the end of an era in the royal harem, and she was mourned extensively both within the palace and among the broader Edo community.
Her legacy lives on through the continuation of royal traditions, the guidance she provided to palace members, and her role in sustaining the cultural heritage of Benin.
Significance and Legacy
She was the first wife and senior wife of Oba Erediauwa, serving as a model of leadership and dignity within the palace.
Her life exemplified the central role of women in maintaining the social, cultural, and ceremonial structures of the Benin monarchy.
The photograph of Oloi Esther Omoyenmwen Erediauwa, taken by Flora Edouwaye S. Kaplan in 2008, captures the richness of Benin royal regalia, reflecting her status and cultural significance.
References
1. Kaplan, Flora Edouwaye S. Benin Studies: Royal Family and Court Culture. 2008.
2. Nigerian Traditional Rulers Archive – Benin Kingdom Royal Families and Titles.
FOLLOW US ON:
FACEBOOK
TWITTER
PINTEREST
TIKTOK
YOUTUBE
LINKEDIN
TUMBLR
INSTAGRAM
