Edo monarch approves ‘Ewu Iwu dress’, reaffirms ban on traditional paraphernalia

Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has reaffirmed the ban of Okuku ( Benin Traditional Hairdo), Ada (Sceptre), and Eben (Scimitar) usage by unauthorised persons during social events in Benin.

Oba Ewuare II, however, approved the dressing mode for the Benin people during social ceremonies to be Ewu Iwu dress with long coral beads called Udeguogho, without red bottom adorned with the symbol of the Leopard, Sun, Moon, Star, and Palm trees.

It would be recalled that Oba Ewuare II recently banned the usage of royal paraphernalia during social ceremonies by authorising the chiefs, priests and priestesses in Benin to lay curses on defaulters henceforth.

Addressing journalists through a statement issued by the Benin Traditional Council on Thursday in Benin, Chief Norense Ozigbo-Esere, the Osuma of Benin, said that the Okuku Hairdo is the exclusive preserve of the Queens of the Oba of Benin, adding that such is not allowed to be used by any other women.

He explained that the different aspects of the Hairdo are of great religious and cultural significance, which cannot be explained to the uninitiated as they are not for mere decoration despite their aesthetic values.

Chief Osuma read the statement which was signed by himself, Chief Edionwe Oliha, the Oliha of Benin, and five other palace Chiefs as thus:

“As a result of the appeals from sons and daughters at home and in the Diaspora for clarification on the use of traditional paraphernalia, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin, has directed that this Press Statement be issued to further enlighten the general public.

‘The definition of the term Okuku is a traditional Hairdo strictly for the Queens of the Oba of Benin and is not allowed to be used by any other women.

“The different aspects you see on the Okuku are of religious and cultural significance which cannot be explained to the un-initiated. They are not for mere decoration even though they have aesthetic value”.

Ozigbo-Esere informed that: “Ada (Sceptre) and Eben (Scimitar) are prohibited for public use and are to be used only by authorised persons. They are not to be used at funerals, marriages, birthday parties, and other social events.

“Ewu Iwu Dress with a long bead (Udeguogho) is recommended for every Benin male who wishes to adorn Benin traditional outfit in the absence of using Agbada, Buba, and Sokoto.

“The public should note that the bottom of the Ewu Iwu, referred to as Ebuluku, should not be Ododo form (red) and should not be adorn with the symbols of the Palm trees, Star, Moon, Sun, and Leopard, as these are of religious and cultural significance to the Oba of Benin”.

The high point of the press briefing was the display of different aspects of Okuku and the approved Ewu Iwu dress with a long bead, apparently for the enlightenment of the general public by the Secretary of the BTC, Frank Irabor.