The Benin traditional council has ordered all men of Benin extraction to shave their hair as the burial custom demands for the late Oba of Benin.
Authority Newspaper reports that the council has also directed the people to bury all their dead immediately before the burial rites of the late monarch will commence. The council immediately the rites of the monarch is announced, every other burial is suspended.
The Iyase of Benin, Chief Sam Igbe, who briefed newsmen in Benin city, said the Crown Prince, the Edaiken N Uselu, Eheneden Erediauwa, has asked that the information relating to the ceremonies be made clear to the public.
Chief Iyase, who was accompanied by some palace chiefs including Chief Oliha of Benin, Chief David Edebiri, Esogban of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin, among others, said all markets in the kingdom have been re-opened as they were supposed to be closed for three days after the transition of Oba Erediauwa was announced.
The Iyase said all male citizens of Benin Kingdom are expected to shave the hair on their head in obedience to Benin tradition, adding that friends and well-wishers of the kingdom might wish to join citizens of the kingdom in the act.
He said, “All male citizens of Benin kingdom will, as a rule, be expected to shave clean the hair on their heads with effect from 29th April, 2016 in obedience to Benin Tradition.”
He, therefore, urged all and sundry to respect the custom and tradition of Benin Kingdom and be law-abiding.
