The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, on Sunday released programmes for the funeral rites of his mother, 49 years after her transition.
The Benin monarch, who disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Benin City, said the funeral rites were delayed because the tradition and customs of the Kingdom forbade the crown Prince (Edaiken) to perform the rites until he has been crowned the Oba.
The statement signed by Frank Irabor, Secretary, the Benin Traditional Council, BTC, said the Oba had on November 21, 2021 conferred posthumously the title of Iyoba on his mother, Iyoba Omo N’ Ikuoyemwen, Iyoba Ewuare II.
Irabor said the funeral rites would commence on February 15, 2025 and end on March 27, 2025.
He said during the Ekasa ceremony, which is the second part of the funeral rites, the use of traditional coral beads in the Palace and in the kingdom would be suspended.
Parts of the statement read: “In keeping with Benin customs and tradition, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin, will by the grace of God and, the royal ancestors perform in a private royal family ceremony, the funeral rites of his dear beloved mother, IYOBA OMO N’IKUOYEMWEN, IYOBA EWUARE II, who transited to eternal glory forty-nine years ago.
“For clarification purpose, in accordance with the Benin customs and tradition, the royal funeral rites could not be performed until the Edaiken (Crown Prince) ascends the throne, and crowned the OBA that the Oba had to first posthumously confer the title of Iyoba on his mother, and thereafter performs the funeral rites, hence the reason why it is taking place now.
“It will be recalled that His Royal Majesty conferred the Iyoba title posthumously on his dear mother on Sunday, 21st November, 2021.
“The first part of the ceremony will last for fourteen days. The second part begins with Ekasa immediately the first part ends. This will be the official mourning period.
“The ceremony will begin on 15th February, 2025 and ends on Friday, 28th February, 2025. The venue is Eguae Iyoba N’Uselu by 5 Junction, Benin City.
“Ekasa group will commence their ceremony on 1st March, 2025 till 27th March, 2025. The performance which will end on the last day, 27th March, 2025, would take place in the Palace of the Oba of Benin.
“From the 15th, February, 2025, when the ceremony will begin, traditional coral beads will not be used in the Palace and in the Kingdom until the end of Ekasa ceremony which is March 27, 2025.
“The whole of this period is declared the mourning period in the Kingdom”, Irabor said.
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