The Benin monarch, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ugue-Ewuare, the second has performed Ewere day traditional rite as part in the ongoing 2025 Igue festival, blowing out the wind of breakthroughs for Edo people and Nigerians.
The ancient traditional rite is meant to thank almighty God for the milestones recorded in the outgoing year ahead of a new glorious year, while interceding to the creator of the universe, his royal ancestors for divine guidance.
At the event, spiritual banner kindled through chants, prayers, eulogies delighted spectators, including dignitaries, groups, and individuals, expressing immerse gratitude to custodian of Benin tradition who received homage and the sacred Ewere leaves from his subjects and in turn extended the same gesture to dignitaries at the annual event.
The emergence of Oba Ewuare, set the stage for the annual ceremony where Chief Enorense Ozigbo-Esere, the Osuma of Benin made a brief traditional display and thereafter presented his goodwill message to the royal father who was flanked by his Queens, and members of the royal family, including Prince Aghatise Erediauwa.
Chief John Osamede Adun, the Aiyobahan of Benin demonstrated dexterity with his mesmerising ‘old man’ dance drama that amused cheerful royal fans who craved for more when stand out Ihogbe Palace society led by Chief Ihama N’ Ihogbe, sang ancient melodious songs with drum beats, that shifted the gaze of spectators at the ceremony.
The royal praise singers and drummers, supplied the needed spiritual rendition to ensure acceptance of their sacrifices and the prayer requests made to ancestors for abundance blessings and protection of Edo State in particular and Nigeria at large.
Igue festival continues on Friday December 26th 2026, with the re-enacted second edition of the traditional wrestling competition at the Oba palace, ahead of a special Igue Thanksgiving by Oba Ewuare II on Sunday December 28th 2025 at the Holy Aruosa Cathedral Church in Benin City, Edo State.
Osaigbovo Iguobaro
Chief Press Secretary to the Oba of Benin
December 24th, 2025.
