Oba Of Benin: Next Stage Of Mourning Begins … Male Citizens To Shave Hair – Iyase

Benin City – By Ola Airenakho

As part of the mourning process in honor of late Oba Erediauwa of Great Benin Kingdom, the Iyase of Benin, Chief Sam Igbe has given some directives, compelling, among others all male citizens of Benin Kingdom to clean shave the hair on their heads.

The directives are in line with the customs and traditions of mourning such an occurrence, Chief Igbe said, while briefing newsmen on Wednesday at the Oba’s Palace on the latest development, following April 29, 2016 announcement of the passing away of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’ Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa, CFR.

The Iyase who was flanked by such prominent Benin Kingdom chiefs, as Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin, Chief David Edebiri, the Esogban of Benin, Chief (Barrister) Ogbebor the Osaguobaro of Benin and Chief Oliha of Benin, explained hair shaving, among others was effective from April 29, 2016 in obedience of the Benin tradition.

Apart from the observance of the closure of all markets in Benin Kingdom for three days which has already been effected as at the time of this press briefing, it is also expected that all friends and well-wishers, including those who live and work for their livelihood within the Benin Kingdom, may wish to join in the observance of these customs and traditions.

Benin Chiefs, Enigies (Dukes), Priests, and palace functionaries were also not left out in this observance of customs and tradition as they were all expected to suspend the wearing of beads from the date of announcement of the passing away of the Benin king. Instead, they will now wear white tread ‘Ikhian’ or ‘Omonorhue’ until further notice.

All those bereaved in the kingdom were however given a window of opportunity to perfect the burial ceremonies for their late loved ones before the date of announcement of ‘Emwinekhua’ (The funeral rites of the departed Benin King).

From the date of announcement of ‘Emwinekhua’, which will be announced later, to the end of the ceremonies, all funeral rites are prohibited, explained Chief Sam Igbe.