By Simeon Ebegbulem & Gabriel  Enagholase

The Benin Traditional Council has called on residents of Benin kingdom to bury their dead ones as all funeral rites would be prohibited from the date of the announcement of burial ceremonies (Emwinekhua) of late Oba Erediauwa.

Chief Sam Igbe, the Iyase of Benin Kingdom, told journalists in Benin, yesterday,  that the Emwinekhua would soon be announced.

The Iyase of Benin Kingdom urged all residents to be law abiding and respect the custom and tradition of the people.

“All markets in the kingdom have been reopened as they were supposed to be closed for three days after the transition of Oba Erediauwa was announced.

“All male citizens of Benin Kingdom are expected, as a rule to shave their hair in obedience to Benin tradition.

“Friends and well-wishers of the kingdom might wish to shave their hair too,” Chief Igbe said.

He added that all chiefs, ‘enigie,’ priests and palace functionaries entitled to wear beads would cease to wear beads

“Instead, they will wear ‘omonorhue’ or white thread (Ikhian), until further notice.”