Benin Traditional Council prohibits burial ceremonies till next year
Johnny Ben, Benin
On October 22, up to five persons were arrested in Benin for conducting burial ceremonies. The Benin custom forbids residents from burial ceremonies until the post-coronation ceremonies of the new monarch are concluded.
The Benin Traditional Council issued a notice saying that the post-coronation ceremonies for Oba Ewuare II will continue till the end of the year, and as such the prohibition of funerals in the seven local government areas of the senatorial district will continue till then.
The affected local government areas are Oredo, Egor, Ikpoba-Okha, Ovia North-East, Ovia South-West, Orhionmwon and Uhunmwode. BNC, in a statement by the Secretary, Frank Irabor, explained that the post-coronation ceremonies was still ongoing, with the Ekasa (spiritual) dance, and would last till December 31.
“Consequently, prohibition of funeral activities is still in place during the period of Ekasa performance. This information supersedes the earlier press statement made by the coronation planning committee,” he said.
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