Acting Consul General Phillips today received a response to his letter to Oba Overami in which he stated that he wishes to visit the king in the new year.
His Majesty Oba Overami sent the following message:
We are honoured that you wish to visit us in the new year, however this period will not be convenient for us as this is the crucial point for my people and I when we are deeply engaged in our traditional annual fasting and abstinence.
During this fasting period, it is not appropraite for us to receive any foreign visitors. We will however, gladly welcome you at any other time. Our fasting period ends in two months’ time, you can come after that.
When you come, you must come alone and with one single Itsekiri interpreter. All White men who have visited us in the past have done so. This avoids any misunderstanding about your intentions in visiting us.
We look forward to receiving you and hope that we can build a fruitful relationship from your visit.
References
Bacon, R. H. Benin City of Blood, 1897, p16
Boisragon A, The Benin Massacre, 1897, p58
Kirk, J. Sir, Benin Massacre, Latest News at the Foreign Office, Reasons for Hope, Interview with Sir John Kirk (Central News Telegram); Publication: Guardian 1821 – 2000; Date: Jan 14, 1897, Section: None; Page 6
His Majesty Oba Overami sent the following message:
We are honoured that you wish to visit us in the new year, however this period will not be convenient for us as this is the crucial point for my people and I when we are deeply engaged in our traditional annual fasting and abstinence.
During this fasting period, it is not appropraite for us to receive any foreign visitors. We will however, gladly welcome you at any other time. Our fasting period ends in two months’ time, you can come after that.
When you come, you must come alone and with one single Itsekiri interpreter. All White men who have visited us in the past have done so. This avoids any misunderstanding about your intentions in visiting us.
We look forward to receiving you and hope that we can build a fruitful relationship from your visit.
References
Bacon, R. H. Benin City of Blood, 1897, p16
Boisragon A, The Benin Massacre, 1897, p58
Kirk, J. Sir, Benin Massacre, Latest News at the Foreign Office, Reasons for Hope, Interview with Sir John Kirk (Central News Telegram); Publication: Guardian 1821 – 2000; Date: Jan 14, 1897, Section: None; Page 6