His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II, the revered monarch of Benin, has made a significant announcement regarding the long-awaited funeral rites for his mother, which will finally take place decades after her passing. This important and solemn event has been carefully planned for the year 2025, almost fifty years after her death, a delay that has sparked much interest and curiosity. According to a detailed statement by Frank Irabor, the Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), the reason for the long delay in the performance of these rites is deeply rooted in the adherence to the ancient and sacred customs of the Benin Kingdom, which demand the strictest observance of traditions.
Irabor explained that in accordance with these time-honored customs, the crown prince, or Edaiken, is not permitted to carry out the funeral rites for a royal mother until he has been formally crowned as the Oba. It is only after ascending the throne and assuming his royal responsibilities that the new Oba can proceed with such rites, which is why the funeral for Oba Ewuare II’s mother had to be postponed for nearly five decades.
A particularly touching moment occurred on November 21, 2021, when Oba Ewuare II posthumously honored his late mother, Iyoba Omo N’ Ikuoyemwen, by bestowing upon her the prestigious and revered title of Iyoba, formally recognizing her as “Iyoba Omo N’ Ikuoyemwen, Iyoba Ewuare II.” This gesture served as a significant act of remembrance and reverence, as the title of Iyoba is among the highest honors a woman can receive in the royal family, signifying her esteemed status and role.
The funeral rites, which are scheduled to begin in February 2025, will unfold over several weeks in a series of highly detailed and culturally significant ceremonies. The first part of the funeral rites is set to commence on February 15, 2025, and will last for a period of fourteen days, concluding on February 28, 2025. The ceremonies will take place at Eguae Iyoba N’Uselu, a prominent venue near 5 Junction in Benin City, where the royal family and other key participants will gather to observe the initial rites.
Following this first phase, the second part of the rites, known as the Ekasa ceremony, will begin on March 1, 2025, and continue until March 27, 2025. This part of the ceremony holds significant cultural importance, as it marks the official mourning period and involves an intricate series of rituals and performances. One key aspect of this second phase will involve a royal decree, suspending the use of traditional coral beads in the palace and throughout the entire kingdom. Coral beads, which hold profound symbolic significance in the royal culture of Benin, will be temporarily set aside to reflect the solemnity of the mourning period.
The Ekasa group, a specialized group responsible for performing certain ritualistic duties, will lead the ceremonies during this time. Their performances will take place within the royal palace, where they will conclude on March 27, 2025, marking the end of the funeral rites. The ceremonial performances, as well as the royal proclamations and observances, will be deeply intertwined with Benin’s rich heritage, showcasing the kingdom’s long-standing traditions and the respect for ancestral customs that have endured for centuries.
The Palace statement emphasized the importance of adhering to Benin’s customs, noting that the royal funeral rites could not be carried out until the crown prince, Edaiken, ascended the throne and was crowned as the Oba. In this context, the decision to posthumously honor his mother with the title of Iyoba was a necessary step in the process. The rites, which will be held with the utmost reverence and in accordance with royal protocol, are set to begin on February 15, 2025, and continue until March 27, 2025, a momentous event that will be a testament to the continuity of royal traditions and the lasting legacy of the late Iyoba Omo N’ Ikuoyemwen.
This announcement marks a historic moment for the Benin Kingdom, as it brings closure to a long period of mourning while celebrating the life and legacy of a beloved royal matriarch. The events will not only be a significant cultural milestone for the people of Benin but also an occasion for the royal family to honor their lineage and the deep-rooted customs that have been passed down through generations.
