Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has directed the chiefs, priests and priestesses of various deities in Benin Kingdom to lay a curse on those who will henceforth abuse the royal paraphernalia.
This was contained in a statement made available to Journalists in Benin by the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) and signed by Chief Norense Ozigbo-Esere, Osuma of Benin, Chief Edionwe Oliha, Oliha of Benin and five other palace chiefs.
Addressing the Journalists at the palace of the Oba of Benin, Chief Norense Ozigbo-Esere, Osuma of Benin, said that it has come to the knowledge of the palace that some persons have formed the habits of using paraphernalia such as the round coral bead (Ikele) that are exclusively preserved for royalty but without recourse to its implications.
“It has come to the attention of the Benin Traditional Council that some individuals have formed the habit of indulging in the abuse, aberration and abomination of the well-cherished Benin customs and tradition.
“It has been noticed for some time now that some uninformed and disgruntled elements when performing marriage and burial ceremonies adorn themselves with Benin chieftaincy traditional paraphernalia such as the round coral bead (Ikele) Eben and Okuku.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Eben is only used by titled chiefs when paying homage to the Oba of Benin. The Eben has not and is not part of the items used during marriage and burial ceremonies.
“It has also been noticed that some women and cultural groups as part of their dressing mode, adorn themselves with full paraphernalia head-gear of the Oba’s wives (Queens) known as Okuku.
“It should be stated clearly that the Okuku is only worn by the Queens (Iloi) of the Oba of Benin. Those women that put on this Okuku are inadvertently bringing curses to themselves”, Ozigbo-Esere said.
Setting the record straight, Ozigbo-Esere said the dressing mode of a true Benin person during marriages, burial ceremonies and other social events is Ewu lwu dress with the long coral beads called Udeguogho.
He added that the indiscriminate abuse of the coral bead (Ikele), Eben and Okuku would no longer be tolerated by the Palace of the Oba of Benin.
According to him “Let it be known by the general public that His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare Il, CFR, Oba of Benin has directed the Chiefs, Priests and Priestesses of various deities in Benin Kingdom to place a curse on those that would henceforth engage in this abominable, sacrilegious and denigrating act of our very revered cherished Benin customs and tradition as laid down by our ancestors.
“Be it known that the consequences of the breach and violation of this age-long customs and tradition would be meant with serious consequences on those involved and their generations yet unborn”