As the coronation ceremonies of a new Oba of Benin entered its third day, the Usama Palace, where the coronation rituals and ceremony will take place, has been given a facelift.

Also, the ancient path known as ‘Odeoba’ (Oba’s road) through which the Crown Prince must walk through to Uzama Palace was being maintained.

The Usama Palace is the first site of the Oba’s Palace before it was moved to its present location in the 13th century by Oba Ewedo.

Usama was where Prince Oromiyan built and lived because of resistance from Ogiamen that prevented him from entering the city.

Seven prominent Chiefs otherwise known as the Usama N’ Ihinron of Edion headed by Chief Oliha are to perform the coronation ritual at the Usama.

The Uzama N’ Ihinron Chiefs Oliha,  Edohen, Ezomo, Ero, Eholo N’ Ire, Oloton and Edaiken.

Chief Oliha who pronounces the Edaiken as Oba is also the Chief Priest of the collective ancestors of the Uzama.

A visit to the Uzama showed that a makeshift building has been erected at the site but maintenance work was still going on.

Workers were seen maintaining the road leading to the Uzama Palace.

Obstacles on the road the Edaiken will walk through were removed even as some residents lamented destruction of septic tank pipes built across the road.

It was observed that pillars were erected along the road known as ‘Odeoba’ (Oba’s road) to prevent landlords in the area from erecting buildings on the road.

Motorists and pedestrian were prevented from passing through the Ebo street as it was sealed off with red cloth.

Some Chiefs dressed in red attire were seen on the road to stop people from walking on the road.

Some residents in the area blamed the landlords for erecting structures on the path even when they were aware that the road belongs to the Oba.

One Efosa Egonmwan said the road has prevented him from developing his father’s house.

He insisted that it was a path and not a road even as he pleaded for the septic tank pipes not to be destroyed.

The Edaiken will walk through Iguisi to Eko-Ohae (bachelors’ camp) where he will stay for three days. From there he moves to Uzama, venue of the coronation rites.

It was gathered that the maintenance of the road the Edaiken will walk through to Uzama Palace has made his movement to Uzama to be shifted to Tuesday.

At the Oba Market road where the Eko-Ohae is located, men of the Edo State Waste Management board were seen removing heaps of refuse around the vicinity.