Oba Ewuare II of Benin Commences Mother’s Funeral Rite’s

Oba Ewuare II of Benin has commenced the funeral rites for his mother, Iyoba Omo N’Ikuoyemwen, Iyoba Ewuare II, 49 years after her demise. The traditional ceremonies, known as Iwarinnwin, began on February 15, 2025, at Eguae Iyoba N’ Uselu, located at 5-Junction in Benin City.

According to Benin customs, the funeral rites for a queen mother cannot be conducted until her son, the Edaiken (Crown Prince), has been crowned as Oba. This tradition explains the significant interval between Iyoba Omo N’Ikuoyemwen’s death and the commencement of her burial ceremonies. The current Oba, Ewuare II, ascended to the throne in 2016, paving the way for these rites to be performed.

The 14-day event, concluding on March 27, 2025, encompasses various traditional activities, with the Ekasa dance serving as the climax at the Oba’s Palace. During this period, the Oba, as the chief mourner, leads processions, accompanied by chiefs, palace officials, and dignitaries, making offerings to honor his mother’s spirit and seek her blessings. In adherence to tradition, the use of coral beads is suspended throughout the kingdom during the mourning period.

This ceremony not only fulfills a personal obligation for Oba Ewuare II but also reinforces the rich cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom, highlighting the deep respect accorded to ancestral customs and the monarchy’s pivotal role in their preservation.