The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, on Sunday issued guidelines for the funeral of his mother, Iyoba Omo N’ Ikuoyemwen, who passed away 49 years ago.
The guidelines were shared through a public announcement by Frank Irabor, the Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council.
Irabor explained that although Ikuoyemwen passed away nearly five decades ago, her funeral rites were delayed due to Benin customs. According to tradition, the rites could not take place until the Edaiken, the Crown Prince, was crowned the Oba of Benin.
He also recalled that Oba Ewuare II, in a posthumous honour, conferred the title of Iyoba upon his mother on November 21, 2021, to celebrate her legacy.
- NECA Says CBN’s New FX Code Will Transform Nigeria’s Foreign Exchange Market
- Don’t Bring Sharia Court to Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun Warns
Additionally, Irabor announced the suspension of the use of traditional coral beads during private royal family ceremonies, beginning February 15.
He mentioned that the Isorhanfua and Ekasa traditional rites would take place in March.
The first phase of the funeral activities is scheduled to run from February 15 to February 28 at Eguae Iyoba N’ Uselu, near the five-junction in Benin City.
The Ekasa traditional rites will follow from March 1 to March 26 at the same venue, with the climax of the funeral set for March 27 at the Oba Palace in Benin City.
