Odionwele of the Benin Empire
The Edionwele is the most senior member of the society. Next in line to the Local King, the Enoghie , he yields real power in the community. He alongside the other elders, the Edions, supports the Enoghie in carrying out his state duties. 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.
Installing an Edionwele
When the current Edionwele joins his ancestors, the King and elders are informed immediately in a closed Royal Council Meeting. During this meeting the next most senior person is named and agreed by the Royal Council as the new Ediowele.
As the position of Edionwele cannot be left vacant, it is only after this pronouncement that the community is informed of the passing of the Odiomwere. At the same time the name of the new Edionwele is announced to the community. Burial rites arrangement can now begin for the deceased Edionwele. Arrangements for the inauguration of the new Edionwele can now also begin.
Installing a new Edionwele can involve both or either traditional rites or Catholic Church rituals.
Oba Orhogbua [1550-1578] who was son of Oba Esigie [1504 - 1550] was a Seminary Priest and Sailor King. He was a Christian king who practiced religious tolerance. Systems he established across the vast Benin Empire still define practices in those places today.
On 16th October 2022, almost 500 years after his reign, a new Odionwele is installed in the district of Iduwun’Omo of Igueben Kingdom of the Benin Empire. The Catholic Church performs the ceremony. Oba Orhogbua’s lasting influence on the empire is evident throughout.
Watch this video to view the Catholic inauguration rites.
The Edionwele is the most senior member of the society. Next in line to the Local King, the Enoghie , he yields real power in the community. He alongside the other elders, the Edions, supports the Enoghie in carrying out his state duties. 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.
Installing an Edionwele
When the current Edionwele joins his ancestors, the King and elders are informed immediately in a closed Royal Council Meeting. During this meeting the next most senior person is named and agreed by the Royal Council as the new Ediowele.
As the position of Edionwele cannot be left vacant, it is only after this pronouncement that the community is informed of the passing of the Odiomwere. At the same time the name of the new Edionwele is announced to the community. Burial rites arrangement can now begin for the deceased Edionwele. Arrangements for the inauguration of the new Edionwele can now also begin.
Installing a new Edionwele can involve both or either traditional rites or Catholic Church rituals.
Oba Orhogbua [1550-1578] who was son of Oba Esigie [1504 - 1550] was a Seminary Priest and Sailor King. He was a Christian king who practiced religious tolerance. Systems he established across the vast Benin Empire still define practices in those places today.
On 16th October 2022, almost 500 years after his reign, a new Odionwele is installed in the district of Iduwun’Omo of Igueben Kingdom of the Benin Empire. The Catholic Church performs the ceremony. Oba Orhogbua’s lasting influence on the empire is evident throughout.
Watch this video to view the Catholic inauguration rites.
Burial Rites of Edionwele
Burial rites for the Edionwele are the same as for a chief.
http://kingdom-of-benin.weebly.com/burial-of-a-chief.html
On the final day of the burial rituals the whole community gather as gun salute marks each year of the deceased Edionwele.
Example
24th April 2023 marks the end of the burial rites of Edionwele of Igueben Sir Barrister Patrick Eizogie Aigbogun.
After successfully rounding off the IZOTAN traditional rites, the community bid a final goodbye to their leader with gun salute.
As a final farewell 86 gun salutes are fired for each year of this Edionwele's life.
OBA GHA TO!
OKPERE!
ISE!
(Long Live the King, Amen.)
OGUA GHA TO!
OKPERE!
ISE!
(Long live the kingdom, Amen.)