The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has announced the schedule for the funeral rites of his late mother, Iyoba Omo N’Ikuoyemwen, Iyoba Ewuare II, nearly five decades after her passing.
A statement from the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), signed by its Secretary, Frank Irabor, explained that the delay was due to Benin customs, which prohibit a Crown Prince (Edaiken) from performing the funeral rites of his mother until he has been crowned as the Oba.
According to the BTC, the rites will commence on February 15, 2025, and conclude on March 27, 2025. The first part of the funeral will last for 14 days, followed by the Ekasa ceremony, which marks the official mourning period. During this time, the use of traditional coral beads within the palace and across the kingdom will be suspended.
The statement emphasized that the Oba had posthumously conferred the Iyoba title on his mother on November 21, 2021, fulfilling the traditional requirement before performing her funeral rites.
The ceremonies will take place at Eguae Iyoba N’Uselu by 5 Junction, Benin City, while the final performance on March 27, 2025, will be held at the Oba’s Palace. The entire period has been declared a mourning period for the Benin Kingdom.