By Simon Ebegbulem

BENIN—NO fewer than five persons have allegedly been arrested by some palace chiefs on October 22 for holding burial ceremony in Benin, contrary to orders by Traditional Council, BTC, ahead of the installation of a new Oba of Benin.

Consequently, BTC has reiterated that the prohibition of funeral activities in the seven local government areas in the senatorial district for the post-coronation ceremonies of Oba Ewuare II, will continue till the end of the year.

The affected local government areas are Oredo, Egor, Ikpoba-Okha, Ovia North-East, Ovia South-West, Orhionmwon and Uhunmwode.

BNC, in a statement by the Secretary, Frank Irabor, explained that the post-coronation ceremonies was still ongoing, with the Ekasa (spiritual) dance, and would last till December 31.

The statement added: “Consequently, prohibition of funeral activities is still in place during the period of Ekasa performance. This information supersedes the earlier press statement made by the coronation planning committee.”