The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has issued official guidelines for the long-awaited funeral rites of his late mother, Iyoba Omo N’Ikuoyemwen, nearly five decades after her passing.
The announcement was made public through a statement released by Frank Irabor, Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council, who explained that the funeral could not be held earlier due to traditional customs.
“Ikuoyemwen transited to eternal glory 49 years ago, but her funeral rites could not hold due to the Benin customs,” Irabor stated.
According to him, in line with Benin traditions, funeral rites for the Iyoba can only be conducted after her son, the Crown Prince—known as the Edaiken—ascends the throne as the Oba of Benin.
The Oba had previously honored his mother’s memory by posthumously conferring upon her the title of Iyoba on November 21, 2021, in recognition of her enduring legacy.
As part of the preparations, Irabor announced a temporary suspension of the use of traditional coral beads during private royal family ceremonies starting February 15.
The first phase of the funeral rites is scheduled to take place from February 15 to February 28 at Eguae Iyoba N’Uselu, located near the five-junction area within Benin City. This will be followed by the Isorhanfua and Ekasa traditional rites, set to occur from March 1 to March 26 at the same venue.
The funeral activities will culminate in a grand ceremony at the Oba’s Palace in Benin City on March 27..