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‎The Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, has prohibited all funeral ceremonies and burial rites during the 2025 edition of the Igue Festival, also known as Ugie.
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‎In a statement issued on Thursday by the Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), Mr. Frank Irabor, the monarch said the directive was In keeping with long-standing Benin customs.
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‎According to Irabor, the annual festival will commenced on December 14 with the Ugierhoba (indoor) rite.
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‎He added, “the Oba prayed for God’s blessings and the protection of ancestors over Nigerians, asking that deaths be kept away from homes during the sacred period.”