(i) THE ESAMA OF BENIN
As part of his greatest achievements in life, Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion was bestowed on April 5th 1974 with the title of the Esama of Benin Kingdom by the Uku Akpolokpolo, Omo N'Oba N'Edo Akenzua II The Oba of Benin. From then on Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion began to be known as a Chief of the Benin Kingdom, a high ranking Chief being the fifth on the traditional hierarchy of the Chiefs of the Kingdom. It was from then also it became appropriate to refer to him as a Chief of the Benin Kingdom.
It is to be noted that at the early part of this biography, efforts were made to address Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion as a Mister. This was done deliberately to create some difference between his non-title years from his days as a Chief. But this has not been an easy exercise because Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion acquired fame as a successful businessman at quite an early age that the temptation to call him a Chief even when he was not one, was high. Nevertheless, Benin tradition separates being a wealthy man from being a Chief and this biography has attempted to associate with this norm.
Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion became the Esama of Benin in 1974 at the age of 40, obviously one of the youngest ever to be bestowed with such a high ranking title in the history of Benin Kingdom. As the Esama of Benin, Chief Igbinedion is one of the most prominent Eghaevbonore Chiefs and as such is in a position to contribute to the traditionalities in the Kingdom.
In March 1977, Chief Igbinedion decided to upgrade his status in the chieftaincy ranks by performing the rather expensive and prestigious "Iyanhien" chieftaincy ceremony. The Iyanhien is not a title by itself, but rather the highest ceremony performed by any titled Chief on and above his title. The point being made is that any titled Benin Chief can perform the Iyanhien at his level; the only diffIculty is the expense involved. This is why it is not done frequently in Benin; the last one was celebrated by the late Chief Eghobamien of Benin some fifty years before Chief Igbinedion performed his own. In a brief interview at that time, ChiefIgbinedion commented:

"I decided to perform the Iyanhien, the apex of chieftaincy ceremony in Benin Kingdom for the following reasons; the first, to fulfil my inner desire to boost the chieftaincy institution in Benin Kingdom and practically demonstrate the rich culture associated with the Kingdom. Second, to resuscitate the ancient rites of the Kingdom in the wake of the re-appraisal of our cultural values as demonstrated by the last FESTAC (Festival of Arts and Culture) organised in 1977 to promote worldwide, black culture".

Chief Igbinedion's decision to perform the Iyanhien was again influenced by his usual determination to complete successfully any task or endeavour in which he is involved. Moreover, Chief Igbinedion took into account the need to resuscitate the traditional rites of the Kingdom and as such contribute to highlighting some of the lost glories of Benin culture and civilisation. This sounded particularly patriotic in the face of the FESTAC where the Benin Kingdom albeit under the auspices of Nigeria, featured quite prominently. It would be recalled that it was the Benin 16th century Royal Ivory Mask of Queen Idia that was chosen as the symbol of FESTAC.
As the Esama of Benin, Chief G.O. Igbinedion as mentioned earlier is an important member of the Benin traditional governing circle, in which capacity he plays an active part in the deliberations in the Kingdom. The Esama observes all traditional rites of the Kingdom and pays the usual homage and regard to the Benin monarch and monarchy. Over the years Chief Igbinedion has secured the respect of a number of his fellow traditional Chiefs who have described him in various terms including the accolade; the "Esama of Africa" and "Esama of the Universe".

Chief Igbinedion with Benin High Chiefs in the Uzama Egbavbo N'Ore. From left is the late Iyase of Benin, Justice S. O. Ighodaro, Chief G. O. Igbinedion the ESAMA of Benin and Chief Eguavoen the Osuma of Benin and Chief Asuen The Eson of Benin

Chief Igbinedion with Benin Chiefs performing Iyanhien ceremony for the Edaiken of Benin, Prince Solomon Akenzua. 1979

It has often been said at least as part of the Benin adage that a masquerade worth its salt must first perform on his home grounds before venturing outside. Chief Igbinedion clinched his traditional title first in his home, Benin, before accepting offers from other Kingdoms. The reasons for the offers were many; they range from simply honouring a fellow traditional friend for all his achievements, to giving honour to whom honour is due without traditional sectional considerations...READ ON

:: THE ESAMA OF BENIN

:: IGBINEDION THE FAMILY MAN

Chief Igbinedion acknowledges his title of the Balogun Tayese of Oshogbo from HRH the Ataoja of Oshogbo

Chief G. O. Igbinedion became the first Southern to be turbaned with the title Ngwang Tarok of Langtang by his Royal Highness, the Ponzhi Tarok of Langtang

CONCLUSION

This website has attempted to unfold Chief Osawaru Igbinedion from the cradle to manhood and from a humble beginning to a position of enermous affluence...READ ON