Edo Kingdom - The Monarchy

The great Benin kingdom is ruled by the Oba of Benin, Oba Erediawa Uku Akpolokpolo.

The Oba of Benin is greeted by saying, "Oba Ato kpee".

In response the people shout, "Isee".

The greeting basically says, "Long live the Oba" and the people shout, "Amen!"

In the old Benin Kingdom, the Oba's word was law. No one dares disobey the oba otherwise he or she will incur the wrath of the gods . . . executed by mortal men.

Today, the Oba's position is more or less ceremonial. The recognized rulership is the democratic institution in place in the state and the country.

The Governor's orders supersede that of the Oba of Benin and that is not peculiar to Benin alone.

However, many edo speaking people of Benin City, still respect the word of the Oba. They believe serious harm can come to a Benin indigene who fail to heed the order of the Oba of Benin.