Eligible Benin Chiefs twirled ceremonial swords (Eben) in honour of Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin during the 2025 Emorhọ festival otherwise known as ‘New yam festival’.
The outdoor ceremony held in Oba Palace in Benin City, followed a successful completion of two-weeks fasting and prayer declared by Oba Ewuare II for peace, progress and to usher-in Emorhọ festival held between September 15th and 28th 2025.
The emergence of the Benin monarch from his Royal chamber, set the stage for the yearly traditional ritual ― where various category of Palace Chiefs in their ceremonial costumes, dance to the delight of Oba Ewuare II, while demonstrating their deep loyalty to the Oba.
The Chiefs also paid homage to the Oba while dancing to Royal music drum beats, while appreciating God Almighty and Royal ancestors for a bumper harvest of farm produce.
Eben ― the highly symbolic elements of the ceremony. It reflects the deep spiritual bond between the Oba who reenacted the age-long tradition and his Chiefs.
A group of intercessors, known as Isikhian group ― made propitiation to God Almighty and the ancestral spirits through their soul-lifting ancient traditional songs and prayer of protection for Benin Kingdom, and our dear Country ― Nigeria.
