Great Benin King, Oba Ewuare II, on Monday began the first public performance of Ugie Ododua in his Palace, Benin City, Edo State of Nigeria.
Historically, Ugie Ododua is said to have started during the reign of Oba Esigie in about 1504 A.D.
The ceremony which is a commemoration of the return of Oranmiyan, the son of Ododua to Benin Kingdom, usually span 14 days, according to the Chief Press Secretary to the Benin Monarch, Mr. Desmond Agbama.
The Ugie Ododua which is synonymous with Ovia Deity featured ritual dance performances by seven masquerade dancers belonging to Chiefs Osa and Osuan, two high priests with spiritual songs by the Ogbelaka Royal bands.
The event took place at the Ugha-Ehengbuda axis of the Royal Palace.
The Ogbelaka Royal bard
The ceremony, among others is used to usher in peace, progress and development to the Kingdom as well as to ward-off evil, violence and untimely death from the Kingdom.
