Forty nine years after her demise, the Oba of Benin, His Majesty, Omo N'Oba N' Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II on Sunday released the programme of activities for the funeral rites of his mother, Iyoba Omo N' Ikuoyemwen, Iyoba Ewuare, II who died 49 years ago.
According to a statement by the Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, the funeral rites could not be performed until the now Oba who was Edaiken (Crown Prince) crowned the Oba of Benin in line with Benin customs and tradition.
He recalled that Oba Ewuare II thereafter posthumously conferred the title of Iyoba on his mother, November 21st 2021 to commemorate her legacy.
BTC clarified that the use of traditional Coral beads is suspended during the private royal family ceremonies/funeral rites in Benin Kingdom, starting Saturday 15th February 2025 with Iwarinmwin, while Isorhanfua and Ekasa will be held on Saturday 1st March 2025.
According to the statement, the first phase of the funeral activities will hold between February 15th and 28th 2025 at Eguae Iyoba N' Uselu, by 5-junction in Benin City and it will be followed by Ekasa performance — between March 1st and March 27th 2025 at same venue, while the climax ceremony slated for Thursday March 27th 2025, with Ekasa performance in Oba Palace, Benin City.
The programme of activities, revealed that the first part of the ceremony will last for (14) fourteen days, while the second segment of the event which will be followed by Ekasa, during the mourning period will begin from March 1st to 27th.
“From the 15th when the ceremony begins, traditional coral beads will not be used in the Palace and in the Kingdom until the end of Ekasa ceremony".
“The whole of this period is declared the mourning period in the Kingdom,” the statement said.
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