Benin Traditional Council Announces Burial Rites of Omo n’ Oba Erediauwa Of Benin

Late Oba of Benin, HRM Omo N’oba Erediuawa

By Simon Ebegbulem, Gabriel Enogholase

BENIN Traditional Council, BTC, has released the burial rites of the late Oba of Benin, Omo N’ Oba Erediauwa, who joined his ancestors on April 29, 2016. A statement, yesterday, by the Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council, Mr. Frank Erhabor, said the Royal Funeral Rites (Emwinekhua) will commence on Wednesday, May 25 and end on June 8, 2016.Late Oba of Benin, HRM Omo N’oba Erediuawa

The statement said, “All burial ceremonies are prohibited. We advised everyone to go about his/her normal business and to stay away from places where traditional rites that are not open to the public are performed during the Emwinekhua. Non-indigenes who live among us should show respect and cooperation with our age-long tradition. We assure everyone that we shall work closely with the security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property during this period of the ceremonies.

“As Edo people, we cherish the common history and heritage we share. Therefore, it is our expectation that we should come together in a common understanding of the things we must do during this period of mourning, and throughout this period.”

The Benin Traditional Council warned all trouble makers and their ilk, who may see the period as an opportunity to foment trouble and cause disorder as it would not tolerate such behaviours. It added that unfamiliar sounds intended to warn people especially market women to keep away may be heard at such places but should not cause any anxiety among them.