Benin City – As a mark of honour and respect for the Oba of Benin who recently transited to immortality, the Edo State Government has declared a 5-day public holiday with effect from Tuesday, May 3, 2016 to mourn the revered Royal Father.

In a Government Special Announcement signed by the Hon Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Kassim Afegbua, only those on essential services in hospitals, health centres, the Fire Service and others are exempted from observing the public holiday.

The Nigerian National Flag is expected to be flown at half mast across the state during the 5-day mourning period while work is expected to resume on Monday, 9th May, 2016.

All government offices, establishments and parastatals are expected to fully comply with the directive.