Oba of Benin announces 2024 Igue festival, bans burial activities

The Oba of Benin, HRM Ova Ewuare II, has approved the 2024 program of activities for the annual Igue festival, also known as ‘Ugie’. During this festival, funeral celebrations are not permitted in Benin.

In a statement, the Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), Mr. Frank Irabor, conveyed that the monarch prayed for protection against death during the festival.

The festivities will begin with the Otue Ugieroba ceremony, where all Benin Chiefs will pay homage to the Oba on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 3 p.m.

Following this, the Ugierhoba traditional rites will take place on December 17, 2024. During this event, all eligible Benin Chiefs will participate in a ceremonial dance procession with the ceremonial sword (Eben) at the Oba Palace.

The Otue Igue Oba ceremony, where all Benin Chiefs will again pay homage to the Oba, is scheduled for December 21, 2024, at the Oba Palace.

The Igue Oba traditional rite will also see the participation of all eligible Benin Chiefs in a ceremonial dance procession with the Eben, starting at 1 p.m.

On Friday, December 27, 2024, the Ugie Emobo traditional ceremony will take place, with all Benin Chiefs and Palace functionaries gathering at the Oba Palace at 3 p.m.

This event will precede the Igue Ivbioba ceremony for Benin Princes and Princesses, which will take place that same evening; those involved will set their own timings for the ceremony.

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Similarly, Igue Edohia, which is a day set aside for all Edo people to perform their individual worship in their homes, is fixed for Sunday December 29th 2024.

Also, on Monday December 30th 2024, Ugie Ewere — ceremony of bringing ‘Ewere’ blessings to all homes starting at 3p.m.

The palace reminds the general public that engagement may be fixed for any ‘free day’, in which case,. announcement will be made as appropriate.

The Palace also clarified that “There will be sitting arrangement on 17th 23rd and 30th December 2024, for visitors.

Part of the programme reads, “We use this medium to remind the public and appeal to them that celebrations of burial rites are not permitted during the period of the annual Royal festival. We pray God to keep death from people’s homes”.

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