Emoro 2023: New yam festival

The Oba of Benin, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has rounded-off the 2023 customary Emoro (New yam festival), rekindling the enthusiasm of Benin ancient traditional practice, ahead of his 7th Coronation anniversary this week.

The festival was rounded-off at the weekend in Oba Palace, Benin City where Iloi (Queen mothers), HRH Iroghama Ewuare II, HRH Iyayota Ewuare II and HRH Asiosa Ewuare II, made a surprise appearance.

Selected Chiefs and other guests paid special homage to the Oba in grand style during the Emoro practice of age, which promotes love, peace, blessings and avert calamities and social vices from Edo State and Nigeria.

The festival was resuscitated by Oba Ewuare II from going into extinct, after he performed the rite that granted approval for consumption of new yam produce by Benin people in line with customs and tradition.

Oba Ewuare II — the source and unity of Benin people, had hosted Edo sons and daughters to a feast in his Palace where he prayed for food sufficiency and revealed that a fast would precede next year’s new yam festival.

Royal drummers supplied the required impetus at the climax, with melodious songs by Palace functionaries. Palace Chiefs who were clad in a unique regalia, displayed royalty that stunned Royal fans, friends and well-wishers, spectators and guests, including executives of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council at the event.

Speaking on the significance of the festival, Chief Emovoen Ogbemudia, the Aghamioba of Benin stated that he is joyful to be part of the historic event.

Chief Ogbemudia, who was joined by other Palace Chiefs, Chief Ozigbo Esere, the Osuma of Benin, Chief Osaro Idah, the Obazelu of Benin, Chief Oghafua Oyeoba, the Oyeoba of Benin, and others, commended Oba Ewuare II for achieving milestones in all fronts.