Oba of Benin Announces Funeral Rites for Mother 49 Years After Her Death
The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has officially announced the funeral rites for his late mother, Iyoba Ewuare II, nearly 50 years after her passing. The ceremonial rites, which will follow Benin tradition, are set to begin on February 15, 2025, and will conclude on February 28, 2025. The events will take place at Eguae Iyoba N’Uselu, located near 5 Junction in Benin City, Edo State.
According to a statement from the Benin Traditional Council, signed by Secretary Frank Irabor on Sunday, the reason for the delayed funeral rites was rooted in Benin customs. When the late Iyoba Ewuare II passed away in 1976, her son, then known as the Crown Prince, was not yet king, and as per tradition, he could not perform the funeral rites for her. The rites could only take place after he ascended the throne as the Oba of Benin.
In line with the customs, Oba Ewuare II posthumously conferred the title of Iyoba (Queen Mother) on his mother on November 21, 2021, to mark the beginning of the long-awaited funeral process. The formal funeral rites will span two weeks and will feature various traditional ceremonies, culminating on February 28, 2025.
The traditional mourning period for the Kingdom will also begin with the funeral rites and continue until March 27, 2025. During this time, the use of traditional coral beads will be suspended in the Palace and throughout the Kingdom. The Ekasa group will also hold their ceremonies from March 1 to March 27, 2025, which will conclude the mourning period.
The funeral rites and ceremonies will be a significant cultural event for the people of Benin, marking the end of a long wait and honoring the memory of Iyoba Ewuare II.
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