Funeral rites at the Igue festival are prohibited by Oba Palace.

The Oba of Benin palace has approved the 2024 programme of activities for annual Igue festival otherwise called ‘Ugie’, during which ‘funeral celebrations are not permitted in Benin’.

In statement, Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), Mr Frank Irabor, said Omo N’Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, the Oba of Benin, prayed God to keep death from people’s homes’ during the festival, starting with Otue Ugieroba ceremony where all Benin Chiefs will appear and pay homage to the Oba on Saturday December 14th 2024 at 3p.m.

The event will be followed by Ugierhoba traditional rites on December 17th 2024 when all eligible Benin Chiefs will appear in ceremonial dance procession with ceremonial sword (Eben) in Oba palace.

Otue Igue Oba ceremony where all Benin Chiefs will appear to pay homage to the Oba, is billed for December 21st 2024 in Oba palace.

Igue Oba traditional rite, which will be attended by all eligible Benin Chiefs are expected to participate in ceremonial dance procession with Eben beginning at 1p.m.

On Friday December 27th 2024, is slated for Ugie Emobo traditional ceremony where all Benin Chiefs and Palace functionaries will be present in Oba palace at 3p.m, ahead of Igue Ivbioba (Benin Princes and Princesses) ceremony in the evening of the same day. Those concern will fix their own time for the ceremony.

Similarly, Igue Edohia, which is a day set aside for all Edo people to perform their individual worship in thier 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.