Males in the Benin metropolis of Edo State
have begun the shaving of their heads in
honour of the late Oba of Benin, Omo n’Oba
n’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa.
The demise of the monarch was officially
announced on Friday with the breaking of a
native chalk by the Iyase of Benin Kingdom,
Chief Sam Igbe.
See Also: The Oba of Benin is officially dead
Part of the mourning rites to be observed by
Benin sons includes the shaving of heads and
the closure of markets in the seven local
government areas that make up the Benin
Kingdom.
Our correspondent, who visited some of the
barber shops, observed a substantial
compliance by many male residents, who hail
from the affected areas.
A barber on Owina Street, who gave his name
as Akhere, said that he recorded a 50 per cent
increase in the number of customers at his
shop.
He also said that he had less difficulty
attending to them, since it was a complete
shave, rather than the usual choice of hairstyle
by his customers.
See Also: Benin stands still as Stephen Keshi
buries wife
Akhere said, “Not many people came to have
their heads shaved on Friday, when the palace
made the announcement. But Saturday was
different because a lot people came to do so;
many of them were elderly men.”
A resident, Mr. John Ehanire, described the act
as a ‘privilege’ for all Benin sons.
“I shaved my head to show respect for my late
king. It is a rare privilege for us because it
happens once in a long time,” he said.
Besides, major markets were shut. Many
traders were seen selling their wares on
walkways at the Oba and New Benin markets.
A market woman, who did not want her name
in print, told SUNDAY PUNCH that activities
could resume in the markets on Monday.
Also, a visit to the Oba’s Palace showed that a
condolence register had yet to be opened.
Meanwhile, the Alake of Egbaland, and the Olu
of Ilaro, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo and Oba
Kehinde Olugbenle respectively on Saturday,
mourned the death of the monarch and
commiserated with the people of Benin and the
governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole.
See Also: Benin Timber market gutted by fire
today
They both described the departed monarch as
an enigma and icon of the traditional institution
in his lifetime.
In his tribute, Oba Adedotun described the
demise of Oba of Benin, as a great loss to the
Benin Kingdom, the Yoruba race in Nigeria and
in the Diaspora.
He said, “He was a promoter, maintainer and
sustainer of Benin rich culture and tradition.”
On his part, Oba Olugbenle described the late
monarch as a symbol of the rich Benin culture
and tradition.
He said, ‘‘His time witnessed tremendous
transformation of the Benin Kingdom. He will
no doubt be greatly missed by his people.”

If I catch myself....

R u insane?? The ruler of Benin is not and will never be an igwe. What insult he is an OBA not some glorified village head. He is above even d obi if onitsha in power and status. Please correct ur topic heading

Benin people funny sha pesin wey die since last year na now Dem dey announce d death. Dem don finally gather 200 ***** for the burial abi?

oversabi.....fake news and fake reporter

acenazt:
R u insane?? The ruler of Benin is not and will never be an igwe. What insult he is an OBA not some glorified village head. He is above even d obi if onitsha in power and status. Please correct ur topic heading

And the best way to convey your message is through insult....Makes you more ignorant than the original poster. What you should have done is correct him. And I don't even think you know what the word "IGWE" stands for, in meaning.

P.S Oba of Bini is only bigger in his enclave.

NRIPRIEST:


And the best way to convey your message is through insult....Makes you more ignorant than the original poster. What you should have done is correct him. And I don't even think you know what the word "IGWE" stands for, in meaning.

P.S Oba of Bini is only bigger in his enclave.

you should show me where I insulted u cos simple logic should show you I asked u a question " r u insane?"

shave

acenazt:
R u insane?? The ruler of Benin is not and will never be an igwe. What insult he is an OBA not some glorified village head. He is above even d obi if onitsha in power and status. Please correct ur topic heading

modified
bt u sure dats d way to correct a mistake

spartanobad:
modified
bt u sure dats d way to correct a mistake

apologies