By Alltimepost.com,
Igue Festival, an annual Edo Thanksgiving event begins today with an in-door ceremony, known as Ugierhoba in the King’s Palace, Benin City, Edo State of Nigeria today, amidst suspension of all burial ceremonies in the Kingdom.
According to the program of events, released by the Palace, Monday December 15 is Otue Igueoba, during which all chiefs visit the Palace to pay homage to the Benin Monarch, Oba Erediauwa, starting at 3: pm, while on Tuesday December 16, 2014, the Oba performs his Igue Oba ceremony indoors.
Wednesday December 17 is a free day, while Thursday December 18 is Ugie-Emobo, with all chiefs and palace functionaries in attendance, starting at 3: pm.
In the evening of that day is Igue-Ivbioba – all Princes and Princesses of the Kingdom perform their own ceremony of the festival, with the prerogative to fix their own time.
Friday December 19, 2014 is a free day, while Saturday December 20, 2014 is designated Igue Edohia – all Edo people perform their individual worship in their own homes with the prerogative to fix their own time.
Sunday December 21 is Ugie Ewere – ceremony of bringing blessings to all homes, staring at 3: pm.
From December 22 to 27 will be free days, while December 28, 2014 is thanksgiving worship at the Holy Aruosa Church in Benin at 10: am., thus marking the end of the festival as Monday December 29 through Wednesday December 31 is free.
The statement said that engagement may be fixed for any free day in which case announcement would be made as appropriate.
It also assured that there will be sitting arrangement at the palace for visitors on December 21, 2014.
The Palace prayed God and the Ancestors to grant all good health to be able to participate in the festival.
“We use this medium to remind the public and appeal to them that celebrations of funeral rites are not permitted during the period of the Annual Royal Festivals. We pray God to keep death from people’s homes,” the statement added.
