The age-long annual Igue festival in Benin Kingdom begins on Saturday, 14 December, 2024 according to the programme of activities approved by the Palace of the Oba, HRM Ewuare II.
During the period, funeral rites are not permitted in the Kingdom.
This was made known in a statement by the secretary to the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), Frank Irabor and availed the media in Benin a couple of days ago.
“The Oba of Benin, HRM Ewuare II prayed God to keep death from people’s homes’ during the festival, which begins with Otue Ugieroba ceremony where all Benin Chiefs will appear and pay homage to the Oba on Saturday, December 14th, 2024 at 3p.m.”
“The event will be followed by Ugierhoba traditional rites on December 17, 2024 when all eligible Benin Chiefs will appear in a ceremonial dance procession with a ceremonial sword (Eben) in Oba Palace.
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“Otue Igue Oba ceremony where all Benin Chiefs will appear to pay homage to the Oba, is billed for December 21, 2024 in Oba Palace.
“This will be followed by Igue Oba traditional rite, in which all eligible Benin Chiefs are expected to participate in a ceremonial dance procession with Eben beginning at 1p.m.
“On Friday, December 27, 2024, is slated for Ugie Emobo traditional ceremony where all Benin Chiefs and Palace functionaries will be present in Oba Palace at 3p.m, ahead of Igue Ivbioba (Benin Princes and Princesses) ceremony in the evening of the same day. Those concern will fix their own time for the ceremony.
“Similarly, Igue Edohia, which is a day set aside for all Edo people to perform their individual worship in their homes, is fixed for Sunday, December 29, 2024.
“Also, on Monday, December 30, 2024, Ugie Ewere ceremony of bringing ‘Ewere’ blessings to all homes starts at 3p.m.
“The Palace reminds the general public that engagement may be fixed for any ‘free day’, in which case, announcements will be made as appropriate.”
The Palace also clarifies that “There will be a sitting arrangement on 17, 23 and 30 December, 2024, for visitors.”
Part of the programme reads; “We use this medium to remind the public and appeal to them that celebrations of burial rites are not permitted during the period of the annual Royal festival. We pray God to keep death from people’s homes”.
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