From Moshood Olawale Karim
The 2023 Ugie Emobo rites was performed by Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, to intercede to Almighty God and his ancestors on behalf of Nigeria.
The Ugie Emobo rites are spiritual rites that have been performed for centuries and are believed to ward-off evil spirits that might be hovering around any part of the country. The rites involve prayers, dances, and the use of ceremonial objects to communicate with ancestral spirits.
During the Ugie Emobo rites, Oba Ewuare II offered prayers to God and his ancestors, using his position as the spiritual and traditional leader of the Benin Kingdom to intercede on behalf of Nigeria. He then took his ivory gong and used it to chase away evil forces while soul-stirring songs were sung.
The exchange of communication with ancestral spirits is a significant part of the Ugie Emobo rites and underscores the importance of the tradition. Spectators from all over trooped out in large numbers to partake in the blessings of the Ugie Emobo rites, which have gained wide-scale acceptance.
The event was marked by caution, and designated routes including Plymouth, airport roads, environs, and the King square, were electrified to ensure the safety of everyone present. The Ogbelaka Royal drummers led by Chief Okpamen Eghobamien, the Obamwonyi N’ Ogbelaka of Benin, supplied the needed impetus that saw a rare display of Edo Cultural heritage.
Letema, who was armed with the collective ancestral staff of Benin, sang and danced around the King square in Benin City along with Oba Ewuare II. The Oba also offered prayers of peace and blessings with the Ceremonial sword and the collective ancestral staff of Benin at Edion Edo deity, an event that will go down in history.
The Ugie Emobo rites performed by Oba Ewuare II are a significant part of the cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom and are believed to intercede to God and his ancestors on behalf of Nigeria.
The event was marked by caution and witnessed a rare display of Edo Cultural heritage, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural traditions.
