Organisers dedicate 2016 Okpekpe race to late Oba of Benin

THIS year’s 10-km Okpekpe Road Race has been dedicated to the memory of   Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Oba Erediauwa, CFR, the Oba of Benin, who was a passionate follower of sports in the country.

In a statement by the organisers in Lagos yesterday, “the late monarch was not just a great unifier of all Edo people; he was also a keen lover of sports as a vehicle to promote peace and unity.”

The statement added, “we drew a lot of inspiration from the noble values Omo N’Oba espoused in conceiving the Okpepke race few years ago.”

The organisers stressed that: “though deeply saddened, by the passing on to glory of the Oba, we are however consoled that the sterling legacy bequeathed by the great monarch already secured for him a front-roll seat in the pantheons of sages of all time.”

Continuing, the organisers said, we are further comforted that we have a worthy successor in the Crown Prince, His Excellency, Ambassador Eheneden Erediauwa.”

“It is with mixed feelings that the organizers of the Annual Okpekpe International Marathon received the news of the passing on to glory of our most revered Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Oba Erediauwa, CFR.

“As our own modest way of celebrating this icon, the board met and resolved that this year’s edition of the Okpekpe race be dedicated to the great king as he joins his ancestors.

“Our heart-felt condolences to the Crown Prince, Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and the people of Edo State,” the statement signed by the Mike Itemuagbor, MD/CEO Pamodzi Sports Marketing (PSM), organizers of the annual road race.