Ekoko makes first appearance six years after Oba of Benin Coronation

In ENTERTAINMENT, NEWS
December 23, 2022
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Ekoko N’Ute masquerades made historic appearance at the 2022 annual Ugie also known as Igue festival, ahead of the new year in Oba palace, Benin City, Edo State.

**PHOTO CAPTION: HRM. OBA EWUARE II, OBA OF BENIN COMMUNICATING WITH UTE N’ EKOKO MASQUERADE BEARING UKHURHE (ANCESTRAL STAFF) DURING OTUE-IGUOBA IN OB A PALACE IN BENIN CITY.**

The masquerades from N’Uteh in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State, performed for the first time since the Benin monarch, HRM. Oba Ewuare II ascended the throne of his forebears six years ago.

The cultural troupe, which started performing at the palace since the reign of Oba Ewuare, the first Centuries ago in Benin Kingdom, added an extra charge to the joy of spectators during the Otue-Iguoba ceremony.

Highpoint of the performance was a special parade by with ancestral staff (Ukhurhe Ekoko N’ Uteh) Community (Ancestral staff), which symbolizes peace, unity, blessings in Benin Kingdom.

Earlier, Oba Ewuare II, prayed to God and his ancestors at the Ceremony which involves traditional solutions by the various ranks of Chiefs and Dukes as a mark of recognition, identity and love for another, began.

He gave kola nuts to Chiefs, Royal Guilds, Dukes and prominent individuals in order of seniority during the Otue-Iguoba which afford title holders to celebrate Igue festival in their various homes on December 26, 2022.

During the row call of traditional title holders across the various Guilds in the palace. As a mark of appreciation, the beneficiaries pay obeisance and thank the Oba for the honour and recognition.

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Queen mothers led by Eson’erie, Her Royal Highness, Oloi Iroghama Ewuare II, witnessed the ceremony alongside the eldest daughter of the monarch, Princess Ikuoyemwen Ewuare II Aimiuwu and other members of the Benin Royal family.

Royal drummers led by Chief Nosakhare Omuemu, gave a good account of themselves during the event.

Paparazzi flocked around to catch a glimpse of the sights and sounds of the Royal treat, under the watchful eyes of Ewaise (Diviners), Ifiento (Royal soldiers in the palace who clears the way for the monarch.

Meanwhile, the Oba marked this year’s Igue-Oba rite on Thursday night in his palace in line with Benin Customs and Tradition.