BENIN CITY – The Emwinekhua (Royal Funeral Rites) for the Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty Oba Erediauwa, who joined the Ancestors as announced by the Iyase of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe in April 29, 2016 begins tomorrow, Wednesday by 25, 2016 and will end on June 8, 2016.
This was contained in a release by the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) and signed by the Secretary Frank Irabor.
According to the release, the performance of the rites which begins tomorrow with palace rites is the sole responsibility of the Edaiken N’Uselu, the Heir apparent to the Benin throne, His Royal Highness (Ambassador) Eheneden Erediauwa.
According to the release, the programme would feature mainly palace rites, except on Sunday May 29, 2016 which would feature Izakhue and entertainment of guests; Saturday June 4, 2016. Ihako; Tuesday June 7, 2016, Ikpowie and Wednesday June 8, 2016 end of ceremony.
Consequently, all burial rites are prohibited during the period, according to the statement, while advising everyone to go about their normal businesses and stay away from places where traditional rites that are not open to the public are performed.
Assuring members of the public that BTC shall work closely with security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and properties during the ceremonies, the statement warned trouble makers that their unlawful activities would not be tolerated during the period.
The statement added that, unfamiliar sounds which are intended to warn people, especially women to keep away from places, may be heard from such places but it should not cause any anxiety among residents.
Oba Erediauwa
