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.