Pictured is the moment the Benin Traditional Council broke the native chalk at the entrance of the palace to announce the translation of the Oba of Benin, Omo N'Oba n'Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa, to his ancestors. The announcement was made Friday by the Prime Minister and Iyase of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe, in company of other traditional Chiefs and Enigie (Dukes).
Following the breaking of the native chalk at the main entrance of the palace, all the chiefs and enigie broke down in tears and wail for the translated Monarch.
In accordance with the Benin traditional mourning rites for a translated Monarch, every male in the kingdom is expected to shave his head throughout the mourning period that may last for up to three months, while all markets in the kingdom are to remain closed for about seven days.
The Benin Crown Prince and Edaiken of Benin, Eheneden Erediauwa, who arrived at the palace at about 1:10n from his Uselu resistance, was formally informed of the translation of his father, before it was publicly announced.
The late Monarch was crowned Oba of Benin in March, 1979.

Source: http://www.trezzyblog.com/2016/04/moment-benin-traditional-council-broke.html

Nigeria people and culture.

Rich culture

Let me also add that, the shaving of hair is a universal symbol of rites and transition a sign that participants temporarily separate themselves the established life. So strong is this tradition that Benin citizens abroad whether in London or new York complied. As the saying goes "he who the king funeral rites do not kill must have their heads shaved". During the burial rites. The palace banned cooking and pregnant women left the town so as to protect unborn children who might be taken by the oba's departing spirit. It was said that during oba akenzua ll, kingship rituals diminished but when the late oba erediauwa ascended he revitalize kingship rituals and reactivate the city's major shrines. There's still a lot that happens behind the curtain that we can never know. Out of 100 we only know 5. As they say "when you get to Benin, Benin is still very far away". Because Benin is abuzz with mysteries and secrecy that beckons for exposure.

Word of advice: if you are a non Benin indigene living in Benin, please tread carefully and always be alert, always.