From our news desk, Benin
On Saturday, 4 October, 2025, the Palace of the Benin Monarch HRM Oba Ewuare II once again came alive with activities during the 2025 Emorhọ feast, (New yam festival) he declared, as part of activities to mark the ancient event.
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This was contained in a press release by Osaigbovo Iguobaro, the Chief Press Secretary to the Monarch, HRM Oba Ewuare II, and made available to journalists in Benin.
The Oba who re-enacted the age-long festival, renewed the bond which exists between him and his ancestral relatives from Issele-Uku in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State at the event.
As a special prayer offered on behalf of the Palace by Chief Enorense Ozigbo-Esere, the Osuma of Benin, paves the way for the commencement of the feast, where Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor welcome guests, and highlight the essence of the gathering.
Speaking in an interview, Oba Ewuare younger ancestral relations from Issele-Uku led by Chief Michael Odiakosa, expressed delight for the privilege to be part of the historic celebration.
He explained the relationship between Benin and Issele-Uku, reaffirming that “Issele-Uku is an extension of Benin Kingdom. We are all descendants of Benin. So, we are at home.
“We are in a safe place. We came to celebrate the festival with our father, the Omo N’ Oba, and we are happy to be here”, Odiakosa said.
On his part, 99-year-old Pa. Paul Osarumwense Oyemwen, the Odionwere of Orior-Ozolua Community in Uhunmwode LGA who thanked the Oba for the gesture, said the festival is not new in Benin and it’s devoid of sacrifices.
Also speaking, Pa. Daniel Osunde, the Odionwere of Idumwun-owina, N’ Iyeke-orhiomwon, also prayed for the Oba and thanked the first Class traditional ruler for his foresight.
Excited guests in their numbers were fed with African delicacy, amid dancing and jubilation, while members of Isikhian women group who gave a good account of their stewardship, were not left out in the celebration by the Oba who rewarded them with cash gifts and other items in acknowledgement.
The event attracted dignitaries, including Benin indigenes and non-indigenes across Edo State.
Members of the Benin Royal family, Edionwere (village heads), youth leaders across the various Communities in Benin, market women group, Palace Chiefs, traditional Priests and Priestesses in Benin, were also in attendance.
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