Nigeria: Oba of Benin Celebrates New Yam Festival

The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, on Saturday, welcomed ancestral relations to the Palace for the 2024 Emorọ festival, (a celebration of the new yam harvest).

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the ancient feast was reintroduced last year by Oba Ewuare after several years of neglect.

The feast followed the breaking of the two weeks of fasting declared by the Oba to intensify prayers to the Almighty and his ancestors to bring peace, beautiful harvest as well as protection of the Binis.

The festival featured Ehọ dance performances, ceremonial sword twirling and tributes to the Oba.

Cultural troupes entertained guests, including village heads, youths and prominent personalities.

Ugbe Royal family, Onitcha-Alona relations and Umu-Osiogwa Community members, descendants of Oba Ewuare’s daughter Edoleyi, attended.

Delegations from Isse-Uku in Delta State, led by Chief Michael Odiakosa, Oba Esigie’s descendant, also participated.

The Onitcha-Alona relations was led by Prince Ephraim Odiakosa Nwabuekei, and Umu-Osiogwa Community members, descendants of Edoleyi, Oba Ewuare I’s daughter.

Esigie of Issele-Uku, Edionwere (village heads), Igbama (youths), Okaighele (youth leaders), Benin Royal family members, Enigie (Benin Dukes), and Palace functionaries were in attendance.

Other Prominent personalities present are Phil Obanor, Head, Benin NTA station, Prof. Edoba Omoregie (SAN), and Prof. Kensington Obahiagbon.

Prince Ephraim Odiakosa Nwabuekei shared the historical link between his family and the Benin monarchy, emphasizing his forefathers’ migration from Benin.

He recognized Oba Ewuare II as both his royal father and great-uncle.

The event reinforced ancestral ties and loyalty to the Oba, highlighting the significance of Emorọ in Benin culture.

The celebration showcased Benin’s rich heritage, with ancestral altars playing a vital role in honoring the deceased and maintaining communication between the living and the dead .

These altars are adorned with intricate art, including carved elephant tusks and commemorative brass heads.

The event preceded the Oba’s 8th coronation anniversary service at Holy Aruosa Cathedral.