The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has announced the suspension of all funeral events and burial rites during the 2025 Igue Festival, also known as Ugie.
The suspension notice was contained in the programme of activities for the 2025 Igue Festival, which was released on Thursday.
It was endorsed by the Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor.
The 2025 Igue Festival begins on December 14 with the Ugierhoba rite (indoor) and will end on December 28 with a thanksgiving service.
According to the Benin Palace, the Otue Igue Oba ceremony is scheduled for December 16, while the Ugie-Emobo traditional rite will be held on December 20 at 3pm.
Igue Edohia, a day set aside for all Edo people to perform personal worship in their homes, will take place on December 22, while Ugie Ewere, the ceremony of bringing Ewere blessings to all homes, will hold on December 23.
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Seating arrangements will be provided for visitors during the Ewere Day event at the palace.
The festival will climax with a worship service by the Oba of Benin at the Holy Aruosa Cathedral along Akpakpava Road on December 28, 2025 beginning at 10am.
The programme also noted that other engagements might be scheduled on free days and would be announced as appropriate.
Irabor stated that Oba Ewuare II prayed to God and his ancestors to grant Nigerians good health to participate in the annual festival and to keep death away from their homes.
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