By Joseph Ehizojie
The Benin Traditional Council has officially announced the funeral rites for the late Iyoba Omo N’Ikuiyemwen, Iyoba Ewuare II, the beloved mother of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, the Oba of Benin.
According to the announcement signed by the Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, the rites will be conducted in line with Benin customs and traditions, 49 years after the death of the late Queen Mother, Iyoba Omo N’Ikuiyemwen.
Irobor noted that the ceremony will begin on February 15, 2025, and end on February 28, 2025, at Eguae Iyoba N’ Uselu, located at 5 Junction, Benin City.
He noted that the Ekasa group will commence their segment of the funeral rites from March 1, 2025, to March 27, 2025, concluding with a final performance at the Palace of the Oba of Benin.
The Council clarified that, in keeping with Benin customs, royal funeral rites cannot be performed until the Edaiken (Crown Prince) ascends the throne and the Oba posthumously confers the Iyoba title upon his mother. This was done by Oba Ewuare II on November 21, 2021, allowing for the final rites to take place.
According to the Council, during the mourning period, starting February 15, 2025, traditional coral beads will not be worn in the Palace and the Kingdom until the conclusion of the Ekasa ceremony. The entire Benin Kingdom has been officially placed in mourning for the duration of the rites.
The Benin Traditional Council urged the public to take note of these announcements and respect the customs as the kingdom honors the late Iyoba Omo N’Ikuiyemwen.