Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Erediauwa
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 the late Oba Erediauwa.
Chief Sam Igbe, the Iyase of Benin Kingdom, who disclosed this yesterday, said the Emwinekhua would soon be announced.
Igbe also 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 the hair on their head in obedience to Benin tradition.
Friends and well-wishers of the kingdom might wish to join citizens of the kingdom to shave their hair,” Chief Igbe stated.
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.”
Chief David Edebiri, the Esogban of Benin kingdom, said sanctions from the ancestors await anyone that failed to shave.
Guardian