Burial Rites of a Chief
Edionweres and Edions of the Benin Empire are the most senior members of the society. The burial rites of a chief are conducted by them. In the photographs in the Facebook page below, the Edionwere and the Edions of Igueben of the Benin Empire are seen at work carrying out traditional burial rites as established by Oba Ewurae 1 and other Warrior Kings nearly 600 hundred years ago.
The Oba relied on this arm of the administrative system for the smooth running of every kingdom in the empire. They were responsible to the Enoghie {local king} and the Oba in Benin City. Their duties included conferring new chieftaincy titles, preparing the empires soldiers for war and more. They held the ultimate power in their own kingdoms of the Benin Empire.
Today the Edionweres {most senior members}, the Edions {elders} join with the whole community to formally endorse the burial ceremonies which have been taking place over the past four days. The process involves the chiefs' children making presentation to the community to confirm that the rites were done according to Benin and Esan Burial rites and traditions. The first son the main celebrant is supported by other members of his family to do this. This is a very lengthy process that could take up to 6 - 8 hours as the community leaders levy the family for various issues that come up in different areas. And the levies must be paid in money or in kind.
To begin the rites the Chief celebrant formally introduces himself to the community elders as the heir of the family. The elders make their first request to set the tone. Next the chief celebrant meets up with his supporters to plan their approach to this set of community leaders and the requests likely to come up. They begin mapping out their strategies. After a long negotiation lasting up to 6 - 8 hours the heir is formally recognised by Igueben Community elders as the new head of his family. He now goes on a walk about to show himself to the community gathered as the new head of his family. His title becomes the Ogungbengben of Igueben.
Now the community levies have been settled the feasting can begin but only by the order of the Ediowere and Edions of Igueben! The Edionwere declares this open.
‘Sing, dance, make merry and feast.’
Eguare Ghato!
Okpere!
Ise!
Long live our Kingdom!
Amen!
Oba Ghato!
Okpere!
Ise!
Long live the king!
Amen!
Edionweres and Edions of the Benin Empire are the most senior members of the society. The burial rites of a chief are conducted by them. In the photographs in the Facebook page below, the Edionwere and the Edions of Igueben of the Benin Empire are seen at work carrying out traditional burial rites as established by Oba Ewurae 1 and other Warrior Kings nearly 600 hundred years ago.
The Oba relied on this arm of the administrative system for the smooth running of every kingdom in the empire. They were responsible to the Enoghie {local king} and the Oba in Benin City. Their duties included conferring new chieftaincy titles, preparing the empires soldiers for war and more. They held the ultimate power in their own kingdoms of the Benin Empire.
Today the Edionweres {most senior members}, the Edions {elders} join with the whole community to formally endorse the burial ceremonies which have been taking place over the past four days. The process involves the chiefs' children making presentation to the community to confirm that the rites were done according to Benin and Esan Burial rites and traditions. The first son the main celebrant is supported by other members of his family to do this. This is a very lengthy process that could take up to 6 - 8 hours as the community leaders levy the family for various issues that come up in different areas. And the levies must be paid in money or in kind.
To begin the rites the Chief celebrant formally introduces himself to the community elders as the heir of the family. The elders make their first request to set the tone. Next the chief celebrant meets up with his supporters to plan their approach to this set of community leaders and the requests likely to come up. They begin mapping out their strategies. After a long negotiation lasting up to 6 - 8 hours the heir is formally recognised by Igueben Community elders as the new head of his family. He now goes on a walk about to show himself to the community gathered as the new head of his family. His title becomes the Ogungbengben of Igueben.
Now the community levies have been settled the feasting can begin but only by the order of the Ediowere and Edions of Igueben! The Edionwere declares this open.
‘Sing, dance, make merry and feast.’
Eguare Ghato!
Okpere!
Ise!
Long live our Kingdom!
Amen!
Oba Ghato!
Okpere!
Ise!
Long live the king!
Amen!