Benin Monarch To Perform Funeral Rites For Late Mother
By Osehobo Ofure, Benin
The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, is to perform the long-awaited funeral rites of his late mother, Iyoba Omo N’Ikuoyemwen, Iyoba Ewuare II, in a private royal family ceremony.
The Benin Traditional Council, (BTC), in a statement by its Secretary, Mr Frank Irabor, announced the rites will be conducted in strict adherence to Benin customs and traditions.
The statement said that “The late Iyoba passed away forty-nine years ago, but her funeral rites could not be performed until her son ascended the throne as Oba of Benin.
“As per tradition, the title of Iyoba had to be posthumously conferred on her before the ceremonies could commence. This was officially done on November 21, 2021”.
The BTC said the funeral rites will be held in two phases. The first phase, lasting fourteen days, will commence on February 15, 2025, and conclude on February 28, 2025 at the Eguae Iyoba N’Uselu.
It added that the second phase, known as the Ekasa ceremony, will immediately follow and extend from March 1, 2025, to March 27, 2025 with the final day events holding at the Oba’s Palace, Benin City.
“During this period, the Benin Kingdom will observe official mourning. A significant aspect of the mourning tradition is the suspension of traditional coral bead usage within the Palace and across the Kingdom from February 15 to March 27”.
The Benin Traditional Council urged the public to take note of these cultural observances, emphasizing that the ceremonies reflect the deep-rooted customs of the Kingdom.
