Benin kingdom begins 15 days funeral rites for late monarch

Exactly 25 days after the Iyase (Prime Minister) of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe announced the transition of the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Erediauwa, the palace has announced a 15 days of funeral rites to begin tomorrow May 25 which is Ekioba market day with palace rites and end on Wednesday June 8 an Agbado market day.

A statement signed by the Secretary, Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor said other palace rites would be held on the 26th, 27th, 28th and then on Sunday May 29th and there would be entertainment of guests.

According to the statement, palace rites would continue on Monday 30th to Saturday June 4 when there would be presentation of gifts.

By Sunday June 5th, palace rites would begin and culminate on Tuesday June 7th with Ikowia.

The statement said the performance of Emwinekhua (royal funeral rites) is the sole responsibility of the Crown Prince, Edaiken N’Uselu.

By the announcement of the funeral rites, “all burial ceremonies are prohibited. We advise everyone to go about his or her normal business and to stay away from places where traditional rites that are not open to the public are performed during Emwinekhua,” the statement said.

It also advised non-indigenes to show respect for the tradition and custom of the people during the period saying the palace would work with security agencies to ensure safety of lives during the period.