The Oba of Benin palace yesterday announced that the Benin Traditional Council ( BTC) has approved the 2024 programme for annual Igue festival otherwise known as ‘Ugie’, during which ‘funeral rites are not permitted in Benin’.
A statement by the Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), Mr Frank Irabor, said Omo N’Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, prayed God to keep death from people’s homes’ during the festival.
The statement said that the “programme starts with Otue Ugieroba ceremony on the Saturday December 14th 2024 at 3p.m.
“The event will be followed by Ugierhoba traditional rites on December 17th 2024.
While Otue Igue Oba ceremony is billed for December 21 2024.
“Igue Oba traditional rite will also be on December 21,2024 at about 1p.m.
“On Friday December 27th 2024, Ugie Emobo will be at about 3p.m, ahead of Igue Ivbioba (Benin Princes and Princesses) ceremony in the evening of the same day. Those concern will fix their own time for the ceremony.” The statement said.
Continuing, he said. “Similarly, Igue Edohia, which is a day set aside for all Edo people to perform their individual worship in thier homes, is fixed for Sunday December 29th 2024. Also, on Monday December 30th 2024, Ugie Ewere — ceremony of bringing ‘Ewere’ blessings to all homes starting at 3p.m.
“The palace reminds the general public that engagement may be fixed for any ‘free day’, in which case,. announcement will be made as appropriate. “
The Palace also clarified that “There will be sitting arrangement on 17th ,23rd and 30th December 2024, for visitors.”
