By Ozioruva Aliu

49 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), was crowned the Oba of Benin in accordance with Benin Customs and tradition.

He recalled that Oba Ewuare II posthumously conferred the title of Iyoba on his mother on 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 February 15th, February 15th, 2025, with Iwarinmwin, while Isorhanfua and Ekasa will be held on Saturday March 1st, March 1st, 2025.

According to the statement, the first phase of the funeral activities will be held between February 15th and 28th 2025 at Eguae Iyoba N’ Uselu, by 5-junction in Benin City. It will be followed by an Ekasa performance between March 1st and March 27th, 2025, at the same venue. The climax ceremony is slated for Thursday, March 27th, 2025, with an Ekasa performance in Oba Palace, Benin City.

The program of activities revealed that the first part of the ceremony would last for (14) fourteen days, while the second segment of the event, which Ekasa will follow 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 the Kingdom until the end of the Ekasa ceremony.

“The whole of this period is declared the mourning period in the Kingdom.” The statement said.

Vanguard News