His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, CFR has approved the programme of activities for the 2022 Igue cultural festival.

A statement from Oba palace in Benin City on Monday, said the festival also known as Ugie, will begin on (Ekioba)Tuesday December 20, 2022, with Ugierhoba (indoor) ceremony.

The annual festival would be rounded off with a worship at Holy Aruosa Cathedral in Benin by the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, CFR on (Ekioba) Sunday January 1, 2023.

Oba Ewuare II also prayed God and his ancestors to grant everyone good health to participate in the forthcoming festival, Oba Ewuare

The statement appealed to the public that “celebrations of funeral rites are not permitted during the period of the annual Royal festivals” which begins at 3p.m, except on Sunday church Thanksgiving, which is schedule to begin at 10a.m.

The programme also indicates that Otue Igueroba (Ekenaka) Wednesday December 21, 2022, while Igueoba (indoor) ceremony will hold on (Thursday) Agbado December 22, 2022.

On Friday (Eken day) December 24, 2022, is a free day, according to to the statement, while Saturday December 24, 2022 – Ekioba Day, is for Ugie-Emobo where Chiefs and palace functionaries are to expected to be in attendance.

The statement further said, Igue-Ivbioba which involves Benin Princes and Princes are to fix their own time for Igue festival on that same evening.

A breakdown of the annual Royal festival, Sunday (Ekenaka) December 25, 2022 is free, while Monday (Agbado) Igue-Edohia (This is the day all Edo people perform their individuals worship in their homes) at a time that will be foxed by individuals.

Besides, Ugie-Ewere ceremony that is heralded by “Ewere blessings to all homes”, is slated for Tuesday (Eken), December 27, 2022.

The Oba also said on Wednesday (Ekioba) December 28, Thursday 29 (Ekenaka), and Friday (Agbado) December 30th as well as Saturday (Eken) December 31st 2022 are free days”.

“Engagement may be fixed for any free day, in which case, announcement will be made as appropriate”, according to the statement, “There will be sitting arrangement on the 27th December, 2022, for visitors”.

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