The Oba of Benin Palace in Benin City has decreed that no burial rites will be permitted during the upcoming Igue Festival.
The festival, commencing on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, with the Ugierhoba Ceremony, holds great significance in the Benin tradition.
The Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), Mr. Iyamu O. Marley, emphasized the importance of the Igue Festival by highlighting key ceremonies to take place.
The Otue Igue Oba Ceremony, where all Palace Chiefs pay homage to the Oba, will be held on Wednesday, December 20, 2023. The following day, Thursday, December 21, 2023, marks the Igue Oba Ceremony, an indoor celebration. Lastly, on Saturday, December 23, 2023, the Ugie-Emobo Ceremony will gather all chiefs and palace functionaries.
The Igue Festival also embraces the participation of the Benin Princes and Princesses. They will have their own time on the same Saturday (December 23, 2023) to mark Igue with their families.
Additionally, the statement highlights the Igue Edohia, where all Edo people perform individual worship in their homes, scheduled for Monday, December 25, 2023. Subsequently, on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, the Ugie Ewere, a ceremony bringing blessings to all homes, will take place at 3pm with designated seating available for visitors at the palace.
The festival will conclude on December 31, 2023, with a special thanksgiving worship to God and ancestors at the Holy Aruosa Cathedral—Edo National Church on Akpakpava Road, Benin City, led by Omo N’Oba.
While the statement requests God’s benevolence and protection during the festival, it also serves as a reminder to the public that burial celebrations are strictly prohibited during this period. The Palace urges all to join in the celebrations and keep death away from their homes.
