By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
P9O Newsletter
Join Us!

Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss our investigative stories, breaking news, podcasts etc..

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
  • Home
  • Nigeria
  • Politics
  • Metro
  • World
  • Lifestlye
  • Football
  • 2023 Election
Reading: Benin Kingdom Announces Funeral Rites for Iyoba
Prime 9ja Online
Prime 9ja Online Prime 9ja Online
Aa
  • Africa
  • Business
  • Football
  • Metro
  • Nigeria
  • Opinion
  • Politics
  • Technology
Search
  • Categories
  • _Football
  • _Lifestyle
  • _World
  • _Metro
  • _Politics
  • _Nigeria
  • Pages
  • _About Us
  • _Contact Us
  • _Privacy Policy
Follow Us
Culture

Benin Kingdom Announces Funeral Rites for Iyoba

The Oba of Benin , Oba Ewuare II, has released the official schedule for the funeral rites of his late mother, nearly five decades after he...

Chima Joseph Ugo
Chima Joseph Ugo - Editor-in-chief February 09, 2025
Updated February 9, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Share
Benin Kingdom Announces Funeral Rites for Iyoba
SHARE
Benin Kingdom Announces Funeral Rites for Iyoba

The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has released the official schedule for the funeral rites of his late mother, nearly five decades after her passing.  

In a statement issued in Benin City on Sunday, the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) explained that the long delay in conducting the rites was due to traditional customs, which prohibit a Crown Prince (Edaiken) from performing the ceremony until he has ascended the throne.  

According to the statement, signed by the BTC Secretary, Frank Irabor, the Oba had posthumously conferred the title of Iyoba on his late mother, Iyoba Omo N’Ikuoyemwen, Iyoba Ewuare II, on 21 November 2021.  

Funeral Rites to Span Over a Month

The funeral rites are scheduled to begin on 15 February 2025 and will conclude on 27 March 2025. The first phase of the rites will last for 14 days, with ceremonies taking place at Eguae Iyoba N’Uselu by 5 Junction, Benin City.  

Following this, the second phase, known as the Ekasa ceremony, will commence on 1 March 2025 and continue until 27 March 2025. The Ekasa performances will take place within the Palace of the Oba of Benin.  

Suspension of Coral Beads and Mourning Period

During the Ekasa period, the use of traditional coral beads in the Palace and throughout the Benin Kingdom will be suspended. This is in accordance with long-standing customs that dictate specific mourning practices during royal funeral rites.  

The BTC statement further clarified the significance of the upcoming rites, stating:  

“For clarification purposes, in accordance with the Benin customs and tradition, the royal funeral rites could not be performed until the Edaiken (Crown Prince) ascends the throne and is crowned the Oba. The Oba had to first posthumously confer the title of Iyoba on his mother before performing the funeral rites, which is why it is taking place now.”  

The entire period from 15 February to 27 March 2025 has been officially declared a mourning period across the Kingdom.

Tags: Culture

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Be keep up! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Share this Article
Facebook WhatsApp TwitterEmail Print

You Might Also Like

Facebook Like
Twitter Follow
Pinterest Pin
Telegram Subscribe
Prime 9ja Online

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our latest updates instantly on your email.

About

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms
  • Disclaimer
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • Code of Ethics
  • Corrections and Correctives
  • Editorial Integrity
  • Ethical Conduct
  • Funding

Connect

  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Submit a Tip

© 2025 Prime 9ja Online Media - All Rights Reserved.

Follow Us