The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, held the Ekasa dance on Saturday to honor his late mother, who passed away 49 years ago. This dance is an essential part of the funeral rites and occurs at the Queen mother’s palace in Uselu. The ceremonies will continue daily until March 27, highlighting cultural traditions of remembrance.
On Saturday, the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, commemorated his late mother, Iyoba Omo N’ikuoyemwen, through the traditional Ekasa dance, marking 49 years since her passing. The Ekasa dance, which holds spiritual significance, serves as an important part of the funeral rites and is also performed during the coronation of the Oba.
This occasion featured a procession of Ekasa dancers who performed at various traditional worship sites dedicated to Queen mothers, including the statue of Iyoba Ikuoyemwen located at Five Junction in Benin. Chief Robert Ohuoba, the Oyairioba of Benin, announced that these performances will take place daily until concluding on Thursday, March 27.
The Ekasa dance performance traditionally occurs at the Queen mother’s palace situated in Uselu. Chief Ohuoba elaborated, stating, “It is preceded by Ikpowia, the last wake-keep of the funeral ceremonies, while Isuerhanfua marked the last ceremony in the funeral programme for the Oba’s mother.”
The Oba of Benin’s Ekasa dance serves as a poignant tribute to his late mother, reinforcing the cultural and spiritual bonds within the community. The event demonstrates the enduring significance of traditional practices in honoring the memory of ancestors and the continuity of royal customs in Benin. With the daily procession concluding on March 27, the blend of ritual and remembrance showcases the deep respect for the legacy of the Oba’s mother. Overall, this ceremony encapsulates the importance of mourning and ancestral veneration in Edo culture, as articulated by Chief Ohuoba.
Original Source: www.nationalaccordnewspaper.com
