In a vibrant ceremony, a large crowd gathered to witness the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, commemorate the Isoton rite for his late Queen Mother, Iyoba Omo N’ikuoyemwen, who passed away 49 years ago.
The event celebrates the memory of the departed, emphasizing both the spirit of the individual and their achievements during life.
Mr. Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Chief Press Secretary to the Oba, described the Isoton rite as a traditional procession that honors the spirit of the deceased. This year’s proceedings were marked by the display of Akọ, a human effigy representing the late royal matriarch, as the Oba led the procession from his palace to the sacred Emotan deity at King’s Square.
During the ceremony, the Oba offered prayers for the repose of his mother’s soul. “A priest assigned to the Emotan deity then presented offerings on behalf of the Oba’s family, including two chunks of white native chalk (Osorhue),” Iguobaro explained, amidst applause from attending royal fans. He noted that the invocation of ancestral spirits preceded the Oba’s arrival to bear witness to the ceremony.
Oba Ewuare also paid respects at various pilgrimage sites, including the Queen’s tomb near Oba Market, where traders momentarily paused their activities to catch a glimpse of the royal figure.
The colorful event attracted attendees from various sectors, including Blessing Agbebaku, Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly; former Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero; and former Bauchi State Governor, Alhaji Isa Yuguda.
Palace groups, featuring royal drummers and a philharmonic orchestra, provided a lively backdrop to the proceedings, enhancing the significance of this historical occasion.
