From Tony Osauzo, Benin
THE Benin Traditional Council has released funeral rites of the passage of Oba Erediauwa of Benin Kingdom.
A statement signed by Secretary of Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, in Benin City, yesterday, said the programme of event would last for 15 days, beginning from Wednesday, May 25. It ends on Wednesday, June 8.
The statement listed the funeral rites as Ekioba, Ekenaka, Agbado Eken (Palace Rites), and noted that performance of the rites was the responsibility of the Edaiken N’Uselu and heir apparent to the Benin thrown.
He said as soon as the funeral rights kick off, all burial ceremonies in Benin are prohibited.
The statement, which advised people to go about their normal businesses, however, warned of the need to stay away from places where traditional rites not open to the public, are performed.
It also warned troublemakers who may take advantage of the period as an opportunity to foment trouble and cause disorder, saying the Benin Traditional Council would not tolerate any such behaviour.
The statement added that unfamiliar sounds which are intended to warn people, especially women, to keep away, may be heard in places where such rites are being performed, but that this should not cause anxiety among people.