Esogban of Benin dies aged 93 few months before birthday

The Esogban of Benin, Chief David Edebiri, has been confirmed dead after a brief illness in a private hospital in Benin City.

The chief if not for his death would have been 94 on September 2, 2023.

A family source who confirmed development said the Esogban died at 12:20 pm adding, “He has not been too strong and we took him to the hospital a few days ago and he died this (Thursday) afternoon. The family will follow the protocols for the formal announcement to be made.”

“The Esogban who is next after the Iyase (Prime Minister) of Benin is often called the Odiownere of the Benin Kingdom.

“His last major outing which was widely reported in the media was his participation in the March 18th Governorship and State House of Assembly elections where he said the February 25th Presidential election was the best since he started voting in 1951.

“He said he had never missed any election since he cast his first vote in 1951 at 22 years. “I thank God I am alive to vote in this election.

“I am here to vote as I did two weeks ago. It will interest you that I started voting at age 22 on December 1951 in the regional election to the House of Assembly elections in Ibadan. We were then part of the Western Region. Since then I have not failed to vote in any election, be it national or sub-national.”