THE Esogban of Benin, Chief David Edebiri, has died after a brief illness in a private hospital in Benin City.
Aged 93, he was born on September 2, 1929.
A family source said Edebiri died at 12:20 pm.
“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 source stated.
The Esogban, who is next after the Iyase (Prime Minister) of Benin, is often referred to as the Odiownere of Benin Kingdom.
His last major outing, which was widely reported in the media, was his participation in the March 18 governorship and state House of Assembly elections, where he said the February 25 presidential election was the best since he started voting in 1951.
Edebiri, who was a journalist and a writer, unveiled two books in 2022, titled “Tripod of Life: Essence of Benin Tradition and Culture,” and “The life and Times of Iyase N’Ohenmwen” to mark his 93rd birthday.
