The Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, has placed a ban on all forms of burial rites in the kingdom during the celebration of Igue festival.
The annual festival is scheduled to commence on Tuesday (Ekioba) 19 December 2023 with Ugierhoba (indoors) Ceremony.
According to a statement by Mr Iyamu O. Marley on behalf of the Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), said Otue IgueOba ceremony, where all Palace Chiefs appear and pay homage to the Oba will be held on Wednesday (Ekenaka) 20 December 2023, at 3 p.m.
This will be followed by Igue Oba (indoors) ceremony, on Thursday (Agbado) 21 December 2023, while on Saturday (Ekioba) 23 December 2023, is slated for Ugie-Emobo ceremony where all Chiefs and palace functionaries will be in attendance by 3 p.m.
On the same day, Ague-Ivbioba (Benin Princes and Princes) would fix their own time to mark Igue with their families.
Igue Edohia, which is the day all Edo people perform their worship in their homes, is slated for Monday (Agbado) 25 December 2023.
Ugie Ewere (ceremony of bringing ‘Ewere’ blessings to all homes is billed for Tuesday (Eken) 26 December 2023, at 3 p.m.
“Omo N’Oba will conclude the festival on the 31st December 2023 with a Thanksgiving worship to God and ancestors at the Holy Aruosa Cathedral — Edo National Church, on Akpakpava Road, Benin City.
“Engagement may be fixed for any ‘free day’, in which case, an announcement will be made as appropriate.
“[We] use this medium to remind the public and appeal to them that celebrations of burial rites are not permitted during the period of the annual Royal festival. We pray God to keep death from people’s homes”, the statement concluded.
credit: PM News
