The Ague Festival
The Ague Festival of Benin is one of the most profound religious observances of the Edo people. It was first instituted by Oba Esigie in the 16th century and later reformed under Oba Eresoyen in the 18th century.
Traditionally observed between September and October, the festival takes place just before the New Yam Festival. While the Igue Festival focuses on thanksgiving and celebration, Ague is its spiritual counterpart. It is a solemn period of reflection, fasting, and prayer to secure divine favor for harvest and the kingdom’s prosperity.
Ritual Character of the Ague Festival
Ague functions as a form of religious Lent, marked by fasting and seclusion, known in Edo as Ilonu and Igbohanmwen.
During this period:
- Yam consumption is forbidden.
- The Oba remains unseen, especially during the height of the rites.
- Gun firing and drumming are suspended until the seventh day, when the New Yam Festival begins.
- Participants abstain from alcohol, conjugal relations, and unnecessary social gatherings.
These restrictions create a sacred stillness across the land, channeling spiritual energy toward renewal and divine intercession.
Sacred Emblems and Chiefs in the Festival
A key feature of the festival is the Umanague a Maltese Cross presented to high-ranking chiefs. The recipients include the Uzama, Iyase, and Uwangue.
The emblem is worn on the wrist by most chiefs. However, the twin priests, Osa and Osuan, wear it around the neck, reflecting their unique role as custodians of divine mysteries in the Benin court.
Aguosa Festival: The Complementary Ritual
Three moons after Ague, the Aguosa Festival (also called Aguoghene) is celebrated. While Ague petitions for divine blessings, Aguosa offers thanksgiving for the survival of the monarchy and the enduring spirit of Ikaladeran, introduced by Oba Eresoyen.
The Chief Osa and Osuan officiate this secretive ritual, reflected in the Edo saying:
“Osa vbe Osuan ọ rẹn emwin nọ rre uwu ome”
(Only Osa and Osuan know the secrets of the palm frond -Ague.)
The climax of Aguosa is the Ododua masquerades, each representing one of the seven dynastic lines of Ikaladeran/Ododua. These masquerades pay homage to the Oba of Benin and symbolize continuity of royal power.
Historical Resonances of the Ague Festival
The Aguosa festival has significant historical ties to the British Punitive Expedition of 1897. During Aguosa, Oba Ovonramwen could not grant audiences because of ritual restrictions. Captain Phillips’ disregard for this law contributed to the tragic conflict and the eventual sacking of Benin.
Following these events, Oba Eweka II abolished both Aguosa and the New Yam Festival, linking them to calamity and disorder. Their revival under Oba Ewuare II in 2023 restored continuity with Edo’s disrupted cultural heritage.
Conclusion of the Ague Festival
The Ague Festival concludes with drumming and masquerade dances performed by the Ogbealaka guild. These acts symbolically expel malevolent forces spirits, ghosts, aquatic beings, demons, and ogres.
They also fortify the farmlands, strengthen the monarchy, and renew the land. The festival concludes with the affirmation:
“Ọ furre khuẹrhẹ” - The land is cool again.
COMMENTS