Oba of Benin Palace Declares Moratorium on Burial Rites During Annual Igue Festival

In a significant decree, the Oba of Benin palace in Benin City has announced a ban on burial rites throughout the duration of the upcoming Igue festival, commencing on Tuesday (Ekioba) December 19, 2023. Mr. Iyamu O. Marley, speaking on behalf of the Secretary to the Traditional Council (BTC), conveyed the proclamation, emphasizing the cultural importance of the festival.

 

The Igue festival is set to kick off with the Ugierhoba (indoors) Ceremony on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, followed by the Otue IgueOba Ceremony on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, where Palace Chiefs pay homage to the Oba starting at 3 p.m.

 

Subsequent events include the Igue Oba (indoors) Ceremony on Thursday, December 21, 2023, and the Ugie-Emobo Ceremony on Saturday, December 23, 2023, at 3 p.m., with the participation of all Chiefs and palace functionaries.

 

The Igue-Ivbioba ceremony, led by Benin Princes and Princesses, will take place on the same day, allowing them to mark Igue with their families. Igue Edohia, the day dedicated to individual worship in Edo homes, is scheduled for Monday, December 25, 2023.

 

Ugie Ewere, a ceremony bringing ‘Ewere’ blessings to homes, is set for Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at 3 p.m., with special seating arrangements for visitors at the Palace.

 

The festival concludes on December 31, 2023, as Omo N’Oba leads a thanksgiving worship to God and ancestors at the Holy Aruosa Cathedral — Edo National Church on Akpakpava Road, Benin City.

 

The statement urges adherence to the prohibition of burial rites during the festival, emphasizing that celebrations of this nature are not permitted. It concludes with a prayer for protection from death in people’s homes during this sacred period.

 

By Osaiyekemwen Confidence