The Benin Traditional Council, has warned that all male
citizens of Benin Kingdom, both at home and in diaspora,
who fail to clean-shave the hair on their heads, in
obedience to Benin traditional burial rite of the transited
Monarch of the Kingdom, will face the wrath of the
ancestors.

The Council gave the warning on Wednesday in Benin
while announcing to journalists that the burial rites for
the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolopkolo,
Oba Erediauwa, who recently joined his ancestors, would
soon commence.

The Prime Minister and Iyase of Benin Kingdom, Chief
Sam Igbe, who the Council, said while no one would be
forced to comply with the directive, all male citizens of
the Kingdom are expected to respect the custom and
tradition of Benin Kingdom as they are expected to clean
shave their heads with effect from 29th April, 2016.
“All our friends and well-wishers, including all those who
live with us and work for their livelihood within our
kingdom, may wish to join us in this action,” he said.


When asked if there was any sanction against those who
fail to shave their hair, the Esogban of Benin, Chief David
Edebiri said for true Benins, the sanction is between
them and their ancestors.

Igbe said further that all funeral rites would be prohibited
in Benin Kingdom from the date the funeral rites of the
Monarch is announced, till the end of all ceremonies.
He therefore urged all those who have funeral
ceremonies to perform to do so before the Oba’s burial
rites are announced.


Picture 1 - Gani Fawehinmi in 1978, after “gorimapa” (shaving) his head at Benin market, following the death of Oba Akenzua of Benin. He was in Benin for a case when it was
announced that men should shave their hair to honour the
dead Oba.


Picture 2 - Mike ozekhome

Picture 3 - Eric Osagie.

http://thenewsnigeria.com.ng/2016/05/oba-of-benin-shave-your-heads-or-face-ancestors-wrath/

I hope its all manner of hair