Oba of Benin Orders Traditional Rites to Ward Off Calamity Ahead of Edo Governorship Election
As political tension builds ahead of the Edo State governorship election, the Oba of Benin has moved to invoke one of the kingdom’s oldest spiritual traditions for peace, protection and stability.
His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, directed traditional leaders and custodians of shrines across the Benin Kingdom to begin the ceremonial rite known as “Bisusu,” according to a statement released by the royal palace on September 11, 2024.
The instruction was contained in an official notice issued by the Office of the Private Secretary to the Oba of Benin.
Oba of Benin Bisusu Rite Begins Across Kingdom
The palace announcement said the monarch ordered all chiefs, Enigie, Edionwere, Ikao and priests attached to various deities in the kingdom to immediately carry out the traditional ritual.
According to the statement, the ceremony is intended to “wave away evil” from the land before, during and after the forthcoming governorship election in Edo State.
The directive also instructed participants to use traditional ceremonial items customarily associated with the rite.
The statement was signed by Chief S. O. Obamwonyi, the Esere of Benin, on behalf of the monarch.
COMMENTS