The Benin Monarch, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, commenced this year’s annual festivals on Friday with the observance of Otue Ugie-Erhoba.
Otue Ugie-Erhoba is the ceremony where the Chiefs and subjects pay homage to the Oba and the ancestors. Basically Otue Ugie-erhoba opens the floor gate to series of festivals that are encompassed in the annual Royal Ugie.
The Oba who is the celebrant used the rite of otue ugie erhoba to inform his Royal forebears of the year’s festivals and to spiritually ask them to guide and be part of the series of events.
The first ritual of the ceremony was performed by Chief Ohen-Awan, a priest of the Ihogbe group, under headship of Chief Ihama. Holding the UKHURE, ancestral staff at the Ceremonial Center arena, at Ugha-Erhoba, ancestral hall, the Ohen-Awan performed spiritual rites of edification and protection.
He made a supplication to the Almighty God and the ancestors to continue to strengthen, protect and prosper the Omo N’Oba in longevity.
The rites otue ugie erhoba climaxed with spiritual prayers at the ancestral shrines by Chief Ihama for continuous well-being and nourishment of the Oba. In attendance at the colorful ceremony were Chiefs, functionaries, members of guild of different classifications and members of the Royal Family.
This is the first ugie festival to be celebrated by OBA Ewuare II since he ascended the throne in line with Benin tradition. The annual festivals continue.
