By: Desmond Agbama, CPS to Oba of Benin
The on-going Ugie Ododua celebrated by His Royal Majesty, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin has been attracting people especially lovers of the very rich Benin culture and tradition to the Palace of Oba of Benin.
The Ugie Ododua is celebrated at the instance of Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo to offer prayers for God and the ancestors to bless, and protect the Oba, members of the Royal family, Chiefs and the entire people in the Kingdom.
Once the Oba is on the throne at the Ugha Ehengbuda in the Oba Palace, the Seven Ododua Masquerades come out in a single file from Ugha-Erhoba accompanied by members of the Iwebo Palace Society, Chiefs Osague, Osa and Osuan of Benin.
The seven masquerades are led by the one carrying the “Ukhure” and each of the masquerades take their turn to pay homage to the Omo N’Oba in a very peculiar way. This is followed by Chiefs Osa and Usuan of Benin as well as Chief Osague.
After the initial homage, the seven masquerades in a single line begin to dance in a very special and unique way before the Oba to the drumbeat and songs by the Ogbelaka Group. Whenever the Seven Masquerades dance close to the Oba on the throne, they pay obeisance to Omo N’Oba in a unique way. This dance is repeated seven times.
After the seventh time, the seven masquerades led by the one holding Ukhure again come out to offer prayer for Omo N’Oba, members of the royal family, and the people of Benin Kingdom. Chiefs Osa, Osuan and Osague also took their turn to also pray for the Oba of Benin, thereafter, the seven masquerades retire to Ugha-Erhoba in the Palace.
Meanwhile, throughout the event, it is only the Ogbelaka Group that beat the drum, shake the maracas and sing different songs that the Seven Masquerades dance to.
It is a very unique song by the Ogbelaka and a unique dance step by the seven masquerades.
Chiefs Osa, Osuan and Osague of Benin spoke on the significance of the Ugie Ododua.
