TheNewsGuru

Tag: Oba of Benin

  • Oba of Benin buries mother 49 years after her death

    Oba of Benin buries mother 49 years after her death

    The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, on Saturday started the burial ceremony of his mother, Iyoba Omo N’ Ikuoyemwen, Iyoba Ewuare II, with various traditional rites (Iwarinnwin).

    The traditional rites, which will last for 14 days, took place at Eguae Iyoba N’ Uselu, by 5-junction in Benin.

    This significant event is notable because it’s happening 49 years after she died.

    According to Benin Customs and tradition, the funeral rites cannot hold until the current Oba, who was then the Edaiken (Crown Prince), was crowned.

    The ceremony, which would last until March 27, will involve various traditional activities.

    The climax of the ceremony tagged: Ekasa, will take place at the Oba’s Palace.

    As the chief mourner, the Oba is expected to lead the procession during the ceremony, accompanied by his chiefs, palace officials, and other dignitaries, and make offerings to his mother’s spirit, seeking her blessings and protection.

    As the leader of the kingdom, the Oba is responsible for ensuring that the burial rites are performed according to traditional customs and protocols.

    During this period, the use of traditional Coral beads is suspended in the Palace and the Kingdom.

  • Oba of Benin sets agenda for Edo first female CP

    Oba of Benin sets agenda for Edo first female CP

    Oba of Benin, Ewuare II has urged the new Commissioner of Police (CP) in Edo State, Betty Otimenyin to focus on crime fighting and prevention.

    Ewuare said this on Friday when the Commissioner of Police visited the Oba of Benin for his royal blessing to succeed.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports CP Otimenyin is the first female commissioner of police in Edo State.

    The traditional ruler assured Otimenyin, who is a native of the state, of the palace support.

    Oba commended the CP for her efforts in maintaining law and order in the state

    Oba Ewuare prayed for Otimenyin’s success, saying, “The Palace is very pleased with you. We are seeing what you are doing over there.

    “May God and our ancestors empower you to do more,” he said.

    Earlier, Otimenyin described her deployment to the state as a homecoming, and promised to raise the bar of policing to greater heights in the state.

    She was accompanied by the Edo Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), DCP Ben Abang, and other senior officers.

    The CP had earlier served as the Commissioner of Police, Administration, Force Intelligence Department (FID), Abuja.

    She had also served as DPO, Aideyan Police Station on Textile Mill road and Oba Market Police Division both in Benin

  • Women should not make ‘this’ hairstyle – Benin Traditional Council

    Women should not make ‘this’ hairstyle – Benin Traditional Council

    The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has asked members of the public, especially women, to desist from a hairdo tagged: Okuku, reserved for wives of the Oba of Benin.

    The Osuma of Benin, Chief Norense Ozigbo-Esere reiterated this at a media briefing at the Oba of Benin’s palace on Thursday.

    The council emphasised that Okuku hairdo was strictly reserved for the Oba’s wives (Queens) and not for the public.

    According to Chief Ozigbo-Esere, the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, directed that the public be enlightened on the Okuku ban following appeals from the kingdom’s sons and daughters in diaspora seeking clarification.

    According to him, the different aspects of Okuku hold significant religious and cultural value, which cannot be explained to those unfamiliar with the tradition.

    While displaying photographs of Okukus’, he said: “The different aspects you see of Okuku are of religious and cultural significance which cannot be explained to the uninitiated.”

    He also reiterated the ban on the public use of Ada (sceptre) and Eben (Scimitar) during social events, stressing that only authorized persons were permitted to use the symbols.

    Additionally, Osuma of Benin recommended the Ewu Iwu dress with long beads for Benin males who wished to wear traditional attire.

    He emphasised that the bottom part of the Ewu Iwu should not be in Ododo form or adorned with symbols.

    “Such symbols include palm trees, stars, moons, suns, or leopards, as these hold significant religious and cultural value to the Oba of Benin,” he said.

  • 49 years after, Oba of Benin issues guidelines for mother’s funeral

    49 years after, Oba of Benin issues guidelines for mother’s funeral

    The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, on Sunday released guidelines for the funeral of his mother, Iyoba Omo N’ Ikuoyemwen, who died 49 years ago.

    The guidelines were realised via a public announcement issued by Frank Irabor, Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council.

    Irabor noted that Ikuoyemwen transited to eternal glory 49 years ago, but her funeral rites could not hold due to the Benin customs.

    According to him, the funeral rites have to wait until the Edaiken, the Crown Prince – is thereafter crowned the Oba of Benin in line with Benin customs and tradition.

    The secretary recalled that Oba Ewuare II, posthumously conferred the title of Iyoba on his mother on Nov. 21, 2021 to commemorate her legacy.

    Irabor, meanwhile, announced a suspension of the use of traditional coral beads in Benin during private royal family ceremonies, scheduled to begin on Feb. 15.

    He said the Isorhanfua and Ekasa traditional rites would hold in March.

    He said the first phase of the funeral activities would hold between Feb. 15 and Feb 28, at Eguae Iyoba N’ Uselu, by five-junction within the Benin metropolis.

    “It will be followed by Ekasa traditional rites between March 1 and March 26 at the same venue, while the climax slated for March 27 will hold at the Oba Palace, Benin City.

  • Edo Gov, Okpebolo restores Oba of Benin’s full powers, scraps traditional councils

    Edo Gov, Okpebolo restores Oba of Benin’s full powers, scraps traditional councils

    The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has restored the full statutory rights of the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, scrapping the new traditional councils in Edo South created by the last administration.

    He also backed the Federal Government’s Gazette, which gave the ownership of the returned artefact to the Oba’s palace, which was looted during the 1897 Benin massacre by the British colonial forces.

    Also, the state government is withdrawing the letter revoking the concession of the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre issued by the last administration to be used as a motor park.

    These were contained in a statement released by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, on Sunday.

    The statement further read, “This administration is restoring the Oba Akenzua centre to a suitable condition for its original purpose.

    This administration also hereby abolishes the new traditional councils in Edo South, created by the last administration.

    “Accordingly, Okpebholo has restored the statutory financial entitlements of the Benin Traditional Council and has ordered that the status quo before the creation of the now abolished councils be maintained.

    “The Okpebholo administration is backing the initial plan of the state Government to build the Benin Royal Museum that will house the returned artefacts and is distancing itself from the Museum of West Africa Art (MOWA) which the previous administration fronted as the museum to hold the returned Benin artefacts before the federal government intervention on the matter.

    “The Federal Government has also issued a Gazette for the recognition of ownership and custody of the repatriated Benin artefacts to Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II. This was done through a Government Notice No.25 in the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette No.57, Volume 110.”

    The statement added that Okpebholo respects the rights and privileges of the traditional ruler of the Benin Kingdom, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare ll, and pledges the support of his administration to ensure the Monarch plays his role as the custodian of the rich cultural heritage of the Benin people.

    “It is in recognition of this that the administration of Governor Okpebholo shall support the decision of the Federal Government to uphold the Oba of Benin as the exclusive owner of the returned Benin artifacts that were looted by the British Colonial forces during the Benin massacre of 1897.

    “The Oba of Benin, as the father of all Benin people, is the sole custodian of the customs and traditions of the Benin people and my administration respects customs and traditions in the land and hereby restores the statutory rights of the Oba of Benin as the true custodian of the returned Benin artefacts.

    “Okpebholo said his administration is committed and will refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of the Benin Traditional Council.

    “The governor is using his constitutional powers and the respect for traditional institutions and the revered Oba of Benin to restore all other Statutory Rights of the Monarch not mentioned hereof, ” the statement read.

  • Oba of Benin disowns planned Igue festival in Lagos

    Oba of Benin disowns planned Igue festival in Lagos

    The Palace of Oba of Benin, has distanced itself from a planned dramatisation of the Igue Festival by the Association for Cultural and Economic Renaissance of Edo (ACERE).

    This is contained in a statement on Saturday, by Mr  Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Chief Press Secretary to the Oba of Benin.

    NAN reports that the Igue Festival is an important cultural and religious event in the Benin Kingdom, and its performance is reserved for the Oba of Benin.

    According to Iguobaro the planned event, scheduled for Sunday at the Muson Centre in Lagos, is being organised without the consent or consultation with the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II.

    “The Palace expressed serious reservations about the proposed drama, noting that it would distort the age-long custom and traditional performance of the Igue Festival.

    “The Benin Traditional Council has approached the court to restrain ACERE from staging the event.

    “The court has granted an order restraining the association from using the Oba’s image or promoting the event without his consent.

    “This order was obtained on Friday against the event that is taking place on Sunday, November 24, 2024.

    He advised the public not to be misled by any group claiming to promote Benin culture without consulting the Palace of the Oba of Benin.

  • Edo guber: Oba of Benin finally reacts over Okpebholo’s victory

    Edo guber: Oba of Benin finally reacts over Okpebholo’s victory

    Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Governor-elect of Edo State on Tuesday visited the Oba of Benin, and reiterated his pledge to fulfil his electoral promises to the people of the State.

    Okpebholo, who visited the Oba ahead of his swearing-in ceremony on November 12, also expressed gratitude to the Oba for his prayers for him during the election.

    Speaking during the visit, Oba Ewuare II congratulated Okpebholo and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, on their electoral victory and thanked the Almighty, his ancestors, and security agencies.

    Oba also thank President Bola Tinubu for the peaceful conduct of the Edo governorship election that was held on September 21.

    The traditional ruler, meanwhile, urged Okpebholo to deliver on his campaign promises because “God works in a mysterious way.” He expressed confidence in the governor-elect’s ability to provide good governance.

    The Oba also assured Okpebholo that the palace was open to him and offered continued prayers for the governor-elect’s success.

    “God works in mysterious ways. This palace is open to you. You will do your best to carry out the promises you made during your campaigns, and more blessings will come,” the Oba of Benin said.

    Some of Okpebholo’s campaign promises include providing interest-free loans to traders  and completing projects initiated by previous administrations.

    The governor-elect was accompanied by Sen Adams Oshiomhole and Comrade Philip Shaibu and leaders of the All Progressives Congress Campaign Council.

  • Oba of Benin directs chiefs to perform ‘Bisusu’ ceremony ahead of Edo poll

    Oba of Benin directs chiefs to perform ‘Bisusu’ ceremony ahead of Edo poll

    The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has directed all traditional chiefs and leaders in Benin Kingdom to perform the traditional “Bisusu” ceremony to ward off evil ahead of the Edo governorship election.

    The ceremony is ensure a peaceful and hitch-free gubernatorial election in the state.

    This is contained in a statement by Chief Stanley Obamwonyi, the Esere of Benin on Wednesday in Benin.

    The ceremony, which involved waving away calamity, is to be performed with traditional items and carried out immediately.

    According to him,  the Oba’s directive is aimed at ensuring that the forthcoming Sept.  21, gubernatorial election in the state is free from violence and other forms of electoral malpractices.

    The Esere of Benin noted that the Oba’s directive is targeted at “preventing evil from Edo,  especially before, during, and after the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state.

    “The “Bisusu” ceremony is a traditional ritual performed by the Benin people to ward off evil and calamity from their land.

    “By directing the chiefs to perform this ceremony, the Oba is invoking traditional powers to ensure a peaceful and orderly election,”  Obamwonyi said.

    He said performance of the “Bisusu” ceremony would involve all Chiefs, Enigie, Ikao, Edionwere, and Igie Ohen of various deities in the Benin Kingdom.

    He said with the directive, traditional leaders in the Benin Kingdom were expected to take immediate action to perform the ceremony and use their influence to ensure a peaceful election.

    NAN

  • Reactions trail man besides Oba Of Benin’s gift to Rema

    Reactions trail man besides Oba Of Benin’s gift to Rema

    A man sitting beside popular Afrobeats superstar, Rema after the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, presented a royal plaque during his visit at his palace ahead of his homecoming concert at the Ogbe Stadium in Benin City has caused a stir on social media.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the 23-year-old megastar was on Thursday presented a royal plaque by the royal monarch a day after attending the groundbreaking ceremony with the Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki as part of his homecoming concert at the Ogbe Stadium.

    However, what piqued the interest of the singer’s fans was the traditional man sitting besides Rema after the royal  plague was presented to the singer.

    A curious fan, Dami Foreign, had asked, “We’ll talk about Rema award later, which style dey that man head?”

    Another fan, ceoviogroup, replied, “It’s called Ugguakpata hairdo over the frontal aspect of the head, which all Benin Chiefs proudly wears.”

    Another fan, Shaa iilom further educate the public about the hairstyle saying,“If you are smart and know about Benins, you will know that’s how their chiefs keep their hair. You recognise them by their haircut.”

    Meanwhile, The Edo State Governor had announced that the 6,000-capacity arena would be called Rema Dome in honour of the singer.

    Obaseki said Rema remains an ambassador of Benin and Edo State. He added that the Edo Arena would attract visitors and international stars to Benin.

    The Governor via his X handle on Wednesday wrote, “It was a pleasure to have our global music icon @heisrema, join me in performing the groundbreaking ceremony for the 6,000-capacity Edo Arena. The arena, which will be called ‘Rema’s Dome,’ is located at the former Garrick Memorial School Ground on Ekenhuan Road in Benin City.”

    He explained the Rema Dome would allow visitors to “experience our rich culture and what we have to offer, which will create employment opportunities for our youths.”

    Rema, born Divine Ikubor, is from Benin City and has been a proud ambassador of Edo State, promoting the state and legacy of the ancient Benin empire in his music and concerts.

  • Oba of Benin makes case for women ahead of Edo guber election

    Oba of Benin makes case for women ahead of Edo guber election

    The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has advocated a break to barriers that discourage Nigeria women participation in politics.

    Ewuare made the call on Sunday in Benin, when the gubernatorial candidate of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) for the Sept. 21 election in Edo, Patience Key, paid a courtesy call to his palace.

    According to him, women should no longer be relegated to the background, especially in governance due to their strength and population.

    The Royal father commended the leadership of the PRP for ceding its gubernatorial ticket to a woman despite the ‘patriarchal and patrilineal’ structure of human society, dominated by men.

    “A female in our society that is patriarchal and patrilineal  dominated, you came out amongst all the male to contest.

    “So, I commend the party,  PRP, which deemed it fit to pick you as their flagbearer, recognising the strength of a woman in the scheme of things.

    “I have always believed that women must be recognised as important, not to be suppressed to the background,” he said.

    Earlier in her address, the PRP gubernatorial candidate commended the Oba’s efforts that drastically reduced the menace of human trafficking in the ancient city, and solicited prayer and blessings from the palace.

    “I am running for the governorship because I see repression and retrogression in our great land.

    “I am running for the governorship because I see hunger and anger. I have come to honour that call of governance,” she said.

    Key promised to leverage her wealth of experience in the world of business if given the mandate.

    She said that Edo people did not deserve to live in penury if the tourism sector and agricultural resources were well harnessed for productivity.