The Benin Traditional Council has called on residents in Benin kingdom to bury their dead now, as funeral rites would be prohibited from the date of the announcement of Emwinekhue (burial ceremonies) of Oba Erediauwa.
It said the Emwinekhua would soon be announced.
Speaking at a press briefing yesterday, Chief Sam Igbe, the Iyase of Benin Kingdom, urged residents to respect the customs and tradition of the kingdom and be law abiding.
Chief Igbe said markets in the kingdom have been reopened as they were supposed to be closed for three days after the transition of Oba Erediauwa was announced.
The Iyase said male citizens of Benin Kingdom were expected to shave their hair in obedience to tradition.
He said friends and well-wishers of the kingdom might wish to join citizens of the kingdom to shave their hair.
Chief Iyase, who was with some palace chiefs, including Chief Oliha; Chief David Edebiri, Esogban of Benin; Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, Esama of Benin, said: “All male citizens of Benin kingdom will be expected to clean shave the hair on their heads with from April 29, 2016, in obedience to the Bini tradition.
“Wearing of beads -All chiefs, enigies, priests, and palace functionaries entitled to wear beads as part of their wears, will seize to wear beads from the date of the announcement. Instead, they will wear Omonorhue or white thread (Ikhian) until further notice.
“Our friends and well wishers, including those who live with us and work within our kingdom, may wish to join us.
“Markets in Benin Kingdom were to remain closed for three days after the announcement. We are sure that by now they are open and busy.”
Chief Edebiri said sanctions from the ancestors await anyone that fails to shave his hair.
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