Crowned Prince Of Benin Performs Izakhue Rites Ahead Of Oba’s Funeral

The palace of the late Oba of Benin has continued to witness numerous activities as part of the continuation of the rites of passage for Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa who has joined his ancestors.
According to Benin customs in continuation of the 15 days funeral rites of the late Oba of Benin, Oba Erediauwa, the Crown Prince of Benin kingdom and Edaiken N’Uselu, Eheneden Erediauwa, on Sunday, led his siblings to perform the Izakhue rites.

It was gathered the ceremony involved entertainment of guests and performing some sacrifices at the shrine of Ugha Ozolua. Animals slaughtered at the shrine included a cow, chicken and a goat.
Wearing a hat decorated with beads on a white shirt and wrapper, the crown prince first performed some dance steps to a funeral song by the Isiemwenro guild when he arrived the palace. ‎

Members of the Royal Iwebo House led him to the altar of Oba Ozolua. After prayers were offered and the animals slaughtered, the event climaxed with a dance procession to the Emotan shrine and other shrines.
There were several musical performances and cultural display at the oba palace ground. Members of the Isiemwenro guild (the big ants that sting the oba’s enemies) wore black attires and danced with their traditional weapons.

It was reported that the dance procession, which followed designated routes caused traffic congestion in the ancient city of Benin.