The final funeral ceremony for the late King of Ososo kingdom, Oba Anselm Adeloro Obaitan (JP), Ichama II of Ososo land, officially kicked off today the 27th of April, 2023.

There had been the outing of various masquerades who are said to be the guardians of the highway of the dead yesterday, the 26th, and expected to last for several more days.

Today’s traditional activities marking the commencement of the official final burial ceremony of an Ososo king kick-started with events that featured the ritual pouring of palm oil and salt, in libation at the entrance of the palace. On hand to witness this were the Chiefs of the five quarters of the town, members of the royal family led by Hon. Dele Obaitan, Edo State Commissioner for Tourism, indigenes of Ososo both at home and in the diaspora, and friends of Ososo alike, who have all come to pay their final respects to the late king.

One of the many masquerades that are expected to make appearances throughout the days the funeral ceremony would last.

Ipodo woman — Mama Hannah Lawani, (middle) her staff to her left, is a member of the Ipodo women group and a relative of the late king, she was on hand to pay her respects and say prayers for the king.

IMG 9597 scaled 1 — Ososo diviners at today’s ceremony, first from right is Edo State Hon commissioner for Tourism and son of the late king, Prince Dele Obaitan, further right is a member of the royal family, Chief Nathaniel Momoh.

The libation pouring ceremony, which appeared to be the crux of today’s event, consisted of prayers said to ward off evil and evildoers from the event, with cooking ingredients like palm oil and salt. Kola nuts were also offered in supplication at the ceremony.

IMG 9752 scaled 1 — A cross section of Ososo indigenes at today’s ceremony.

The traditional rites began with the “Usomomokuro” group sounding the burial gong and announcing the king’s burial around all the corners of the town.