* Admonishes strict adherence to avoid self imposed curses
By Kingsley Abavo, Benin
The Palace of the Oba, HRM Ewuare II has frowned at the act of bastardisation of the customs and traditions of the Benin Kingdom, by deviants.
In a statement by the office of the private secretary to the Oba, signed by Chief S.O. Obamwonyi and availed journalists in Benin on Wednesday, 18 October, 2023, the Palace made specific reference to the marriage of one Izoduwa Imasuen.
At the marriage which was said to had taken place on the 26 August, 2023, it was observed that during the ceremony, Izoduwa and his groom’s men were twirling the traditional Eben (sceptre) while dancing, the statement said.
“The general public should note that this act by Izoduwa is an abomination, aberration and a 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 marriage ceremony in the Benin Kingdom”, it was emphasized.
“The Palace of the Oba of Benin condemns this act by Izoduwa Imasuen and his groom’s men in all ramifications.”
Consequently, “HRM 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 statement further said.
“The general public especially those who are planning traditional marriages should endeavour to stick to the acceptable customs and tradition, and avoid bastardisation and self imposed curses,” it was admonished.