Secrets of the Ancients: Why Oba of Benin’s Ekasa Dance is stirring Benin City
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The Ekasa dance, a spiritually significant procession, marks the conclusion of the first phase of her funeral rites. It is also a key tradition during an Oba’s coronation ceremonies.
By Imelda Osayande
The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, on Saturday performed the ancient Ekasa dance in honour of his late mother, Iyoba Omo N’ikuoyemwen, who passed away 49 years ago.
The Ekasa dance, a spiritually significant procession, marks the conclusion of the first phase of her funeral rites. It is also a key tradition during an Oba’s coronation ceremonies.
As part of the procession, Ekasa dancers will perform across various Queen Mothers’ traditional worship sites, including the Iyoba Ikuoyemwen statue at Five Junction in Benin.
Chief Robert Ohuoba, the Oyairioba of Benin, stated that the Ekasa performance would continue daily and conclude on Thursday, March 27.
“The Ekasa performance is usually held at the Queen Mother’s palace in Uselu,” Ohuoba explained.
“It is preceded by Ikpowia, the final wake-keep of the funeral ceremonies, while Isuerhanfua marks the last ceremony in the funeral programme for the Oba’s mother,” he added. (NAN)
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