His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba N’Edo Ukuakpolokpolo Oba Ewuare the Second has approved a programme of activities for the annual Ugie.
A statement by the Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council, BTC, Mr. Frank Irabor, says the Omo N’Oba has prayed to God and the Ancestors to keep death away from people’s homes during the festival.
The statement adds that the Oba announced a total ban on funeral rites and ceremonies of any kind related to burial during the annual Ugie.
The statement adds that the annual Ugie starts with the Otue Ugieroba ceremony, where all Benin chiefs will appear and pay homage to the Oba on Saturday, December 14th, 2024, at 3 p.m.
The event will be followed by the Ugierhoba traditional rites on December 17th, 2024. The Otue Igue Oba ceremony, where all Benin chiefs will appear to pay homage to the Oba, is billed for December 21st, 2024, in the Oba palace.
The Igue Oba traditional rite, which will be attended by all eligible Benin chiefs, is expected to include a ceremonial dance procession.
Friday, December 27th, 2024, is slated for the Ugie Emobo traditional ceremony where all Benin chiefs and palace functionaries will be present in the Oba palace at 3 p.m., ahead of Igue Ivbioba.
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 — the ceremony of bringing ‘Ewere’ blessings to all homes — starts at 3 p.m.
The palace reminds the general public that engagement may be fixed for any ‘free day’, in which case an announcement will be made as appropriate.
