Igue Festival: Oba's decree triggers burial boom in Benin Kingdom

Oba Ewuare ll

Oba Ewuare ll

By Jethro Ibileke

Benin City has experienced a significant increase in burial ceremonies following the prohibition of mourning and funeral rites during the Igue festival, as declared by the Benin Palace.

The annual Igue festival, marking the start of a new year in the Benin Kingdom, begins on 14 December and runs until early January 2025.

During this period, mourning and burial ceremonies are strictly forbidden.

The directive, issued by the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, through the Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), Mr. Frank Irabor, emphasised the cultural importance of the restriction. The statement read:

“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.”

Related News

The announcement has led to a rush among families in Edo South Senatorial District to bury their deceased loved ones before the ban takes effect.

Morgues across Benin City reported increased patronage over the weekend, with families hastily retrieving bodies for funeral rites.

Event centres have also seen a spike in bookings for burial receptions, while morgue operators struggle to manage the surge in demand.

Osamudiamen Okungbowa, who was seen retrieving his late mother’s remains from a morgue on Uwa Street, explained the urgency: “My mother has been in the mortuary for some time, which comes with expenses. If I don’t bury her now, I’ll have to wait until late January 2025. As a Benin man, I must follow tradition. The Oba has spoken, and we must respect the customs.”

 

Load more