Oba of Benin Commemorates Late Mother with Traditional Ekasa Dance
The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, organized the Ekasa dance to honor his mother, Iyoba Omo N’ikuoyemwen, who passed away 49 years ago. The dance holds significant spiritual meaning and marks the conclusion of her funeral rites. Daily performances will occur, leading up to a final ceremony on March 27.
On Saturday, the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, commemorated the memory of his late mother, Iyoba Omo N’ikuoyemwen, by hosting the traditional Ekasa dance, marking 49 years since her passing. This ancient dance is steeped in spiritual significance and serves to conclude the initial segment of her funeral rites.
During the event, Ekasa dancers performed a procession through various sites significant to the traditional worship of Queen mothers, which included a stop at the statue of Iyoba Ikuoyemwen located at the five junctions in Benin. Chief Robert Ohuoba, the Oyairioba of Benin, stated that the performances would continue daily until Thursday, March 27, culminating in the rituals honoring the Oba’s mother.
Chief Ohuoba noted that the Ekasa performance traditionally takes place at the Queen mother’s palace in Uselu, following the Ikpowia, which is the final wake-keeping event of the funeral ceremonies. The last observance in the funeral activities for the Oba’s mother is denoted by the Isuerhanfua ceremony, signifying the end of the formal mourning practices.
The Oba of Benin’s observance of the Ekasa dance serves as a vital tribute to his late mother, combining cultural tradition with spiritual reverence. This ceremonial dance not only commemorates her memory but also plays an integral role in the funeral rites and royal customs of the Benin Kingdom. The scheduled performances continue to honor her legacy within the community.
Original Source: punchng.com
