The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II, has commenced the long-awaited burial rites for his late mother, Iyoba Omo N’ Ikuoyemwen, Iyoba Ewuare II, nearly five decades after her passing.
The elaborate traditional ceremonies, which began on Saturday, will last for 14 days, culminating in a grand event at the Oba’s Palace. The rites, known as *Iwarinnwin*, are being held at *Eguae Iyoba N’ Uselu* near Five Junction in Benin City.
According to Benin customs, the funeral rites of a Queen Mother (Iyoba) can only take place after her son, the Crown Prince at the time of her death, ascends the throne. Oba Ewuare II was crowned in 2016, making it possible for the ceremony to finally proceed.
The burial rites will continue until March 27, with the grand finale, *Ekasa*, taking place at the palace. As the chief mourner, the Oba will lead a procession accompanied by his chiefs, palace officials, and other dignitaries while offering prayers and sacrifices to honor his late mother’s spirit.
In line with tradition, the use of coral beads in the palace and across the kingdom has been temporarily suspended for the duration of the rites.
Previous Ban on Funerals in Edo State
This ceremony comes months after the Oba placed a temporary ban on funeral rites across Edo State in December 2024. The directive, issued ahead of the annual Igue Festival, led to a rush by families to bury their deceased loved ones before the ban took effect on December 14.
Mortuary services and event centers experienced an unprecedented surge in demand as residents scrambled to conduct burial ceremonies. The Benin Traditional Council, through its Secretary, Mr. Frank Irabor, had announced the ban, ensuring that the sacred rituals of the Igue Festival were observed without interference.
Now, with the lifting of the ban, the kingdom turns its focus to honoring the late Queen Mother in a historic ceremony that holds deep cultural and spiritual significance.
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