The Esogban of Bini, Chief David Edebiri has died after a brief illness in a private hospital in Benin City.
A family source said that Edebiri died, who was born on 2nd September 1929, died at 12:20 p.m on Thursday.
“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 said.
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, was his participation in the 18th March governorship and state House of Assembly elections, where he said the 25th February presidential election was the best since he started voting in 1951.
A journalist and a writer, Edebiri unveiled two books in 2022 – Tripod of Life: Essence of Benin Tradition and Culture, and The Life and Times of Iyase N’Ohenmwen to mark his 93rd birthday.
