A BENIN CORONATION
The Benin Monarchy is a major Nigerian treasure. The respect accorded the Oba of Benin is legendary. The acclaimed photographer, journalist and filmmaker Tam Fiofori who hails from Okrika in Rivers State actually qualifies as a “Benin boy” on account of the many years he spent in the ancient city while growing up under the tutelage of his teacher-cum-civil-servant father. The book, A Benin Coronation: Oba Erediauwa by Tam Fiofori, paints a poetically enchanting picture of the March 1979 crowning ceremonies of Oba Erediauwa as the 38th Oba of the Benin Kingdom. The book was originally slated for publication in March 2004 as a part of the 25th Anniversary of the coronation. Fiofori’s offering is essentially a print documentary and a photo book with explanatory notes. According to Fiofori, “The book’s journalistic format has technically provided for 84 pages of photography featuring about 150 original photographs, accompanied by 72 pages of text; all about the Benin City Coronation ceremonies of Oba Erediauwa as the 38th Oba of the Benin Kingdom, from March 23 to 30, 1979.”
