The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, held the Ekasa dance on Saturday to honor his late mother, Iyoba Omo N’ikuoyemwen, 49 years posthumously. The dance marks the end of her funeral rites and will continue daily until March 27, showcasing cultural traditions integral to the Benin community.
On Saturday, the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, commemorated the memory of his late mother, Iyoba Omo N’ikuoyemwen, with the ancient Ekasa dance, which honors her 49 years after her passing. This spiritually significant dance is traditionally performed to signify the conclusion of the initial phase of her funeral rites and is also customary during the coronation ceremonies of the Oba.
The Ekasa dance procession involves a display of dancers who will perform at various traditional worship sites dedicated to Queen mothers, including a significant location at the statue of Iyoba Ikuoyemwen at the five junctions in Benin. Chief Robert Ohuoba, the Oyairioba of Benin, indicated that the performance will take place daily, concluding on March 27.
Chief Ohuoba further elaborated on the rituals surrounding these performances, noting that the Ekasa dance is typically conducted at the palace of the Queen mother in Uselu.
He stated, “It is preceded by Ikpowia, the last wake-keep of the funeral ceremonies, while Isuerhanfua marks the last ceremony in the funeral programme for the Oba’s mother.”
This act of remembrance is not only a celebration of life but also an important cultural expression, reaffirming the ties of family and tradition within the Benin community.
The recent performance of the Ekasa dance by the Oba of Benin emphasizes the significance of honoring ancestral lineage, particularly through traditional ceremonies. The event serves as a reminder of the enduring cultural practices that connect the people of Benin to their heritage, as well as the contemplative nature of funeral rites that encapsulate their customs. The celebration promises to unite the community in memory of the Oba’s mother while reaffirming their cultural identity.
Original Source: punchng.com
