The Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolo Kpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has instructed the Ewaise palace group to place a curse on anyone who undermines the revered age-long tradition of the Kingdom.
The Monarch gave the instruction in a statement dated 18 October 2023 and signed by the Esere of Benin, Chief S. 0. Obamwonyi apparently in reaction to a trending video of a marriage ceremony where the groom and his men were seen twirling the traditional Ebeni (Royal Scepter) while dancing.
The marriage ceremony pertained to one Izoduwa Imasuen and his groom men who were seen wielding and twirling the traditional scepter culturally associated with Benin chiefs when paying homage to the Oba.
The Eware 11 statement which described the action as an abomination, aberration and a distortion of Benin traditional marriage processes and procedures, warned that Ebeni is traditionally twirled only by chieftaincy title holders while paying homage to the Oba and is never a part of a marriage ceremony.
The statement said: “The attention of the Benin Traditional Council has been drawn to a recent traditional marriage ceremony of one Izoduwa Imasuen which took place on 26th August 2023.
“It was observed that during the marriage ceremony, Izoduwa Imasuen and his groom’s men were twirling the traditional Eben while dancing during the marriage ceremony.
“The general public should note that this act by lzoduwa Imasuen is an abomination, aberration and distortion of Benin traditional marriage processes and procedures.
“The twirling of Eben in Benin customs and tradition is by chieftaincy title holders while paying homage to the Oba of Benin. Twirling of Eben is never a part of a marriage ceremony.
“The Palace of the Oba of Benin condemns this act by lzoduwa Imasuen and his groom’s men in all ramifications.
“His Roya! Majesty, Oba of Benin has instructed the Ewaise group to place a curse on all those who are undermining and bringing into frivolities and disrepute our highly valued age-long tradition.
“The general public especially those that are planning traditional marriages should endeavour to stick to the acceptable customs and tradition, and avoid bastardization and self-imposed curses.”
