FIVE people including a musician have been arrested in Edo State for holding a burial ceremony during the coronation of the new Oba of Benin Omo n’Oba n’Edo Uku Akpolopkolo Oba Ewuare II.
Over the weekend, the men were arrested by palace authorities while the funeral ceremony was ongoing at Uwa Primary School in Oredo Local Government Area of the state. Some chiefs from the Oba’s palace stormed the venue and placed palm fronds on the food, drinks and canopies at the event, indicating that an abomination had been committed.
Known as Umenhe leaves, the palm fronds also signify a message of no trespass from the Oba. Many of the guests and family members burial looked surprised and disappointed, gathering around in groups to discuss the development.
One of those arrested, who identified herself as Josephine Ehimwenma, alleged that they had been given the approval to go ahead with the ceremony by some chiefs, since the main coronation had been completed. Ms Ehimwenma also claimed that the family members of the deceased were not aware that the ban had not been lifted.
Ms Ehimwenma said: “Three days ago, I went to the palace and I met some chiefs and told them that I have buried my father(and that I just wanted to entertain friends and well wishers. They said I should go ahead and demanded chop money.”
One palace source said the family was asked to buy some sacrificial items for cleansing the land. A member of the Iwebo palace society, Chief Sunday Okhiokpamwonyi, explained that the family would pay a fine and postpone the burial.
Meanwhile, the new monarch has promised to ensure peaceful coexistence among the diverse groups in the country. Oba Ewuare II was crowned as the 40th Oba of Benin Kingdom on Thursday morning and received his staff of office from Governor Adams Oshiomhole at an elaborate ceremony held at Urho-Okpota Hall.
Comments
Post a Comment