Oba of Benin Announces Funeral Rites for Late Mother, Iyoba Ewuare 11

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In keeping with Benin customs and tradition, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, has announced the funeral rites of his mother, Iyoba Omo N’ikuoyemwen, Iyoba Ewuare 11 who died 49 years ago.

The ceremony, which will be a private one, will begin on February 15, 2025, and end on Friday, February 28, 2025, and it will take place at Eguae Iyoba N’Uselu by 5-Junction, Benin City.  During this period, traditional coral beads will not be used in the Palace and in the Kingdom until the end of Ekasa ceremony as the whole of this period is declared the mourning period in the Kingdom. 

A press statement by the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) clarified that “in accordance with the Benin customs and tradition, the royal funeral rites could not be performed until the Edaiken (Crown Prince) ascends the throne, and crowned the OBA that the Oba had to first posthumously confer the title of Iyoba on his mother, and thereafter performs the funeral rites, hence the reason why it is taking place now”. 

The statement recalled that His Royal Majesty conferred the Iyoba title posthumously on his dear mother on Sunday, November 21, 2021.

While the first part of the ceremony will last for fourteen days, the second part will begin with Ekasa immediately the first part ends, which would be the official mourning period. Ekasa group, according to the programme of activities, will commence their ceremony on March 1, 2025, at the Palace of the Oba of Benin and end March 27, 2025.