BREAKING News! Traditional Council Bans Cooking With Fire Tomorrow : Oba Erediauwa

The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) yesterday announced that as part of
the burial rites of the late Oba of Benin, Oba Erediauwa, there would be no
cooking with fire in the kingdom tomorrow (Sunday).



A statement by the Secretary, Benin Traditional Council (BTC), Frank
Irabor, yesterday said: "There shall be no cooking with fire in every
household in Benin Kingdom on Sunday, June 5, 2016.

"This is the day of Edenagberen-mwiwu in the royal funeral rites
programme. All Benins as well as non-indigenes are expected to observe
this rite."

Historians say the last time this tradition was witnessed in the kingdom
was in 1979 when the funeral rites of the father of Oba Erediauwa, Oba
Akenzua, was being observed.
However, the order has sparked reactions among residents, as many see it
as an all-day fasting in honour of the late Oba Erediauwa.
Meanwhile, the leadership of the Senate has challenged traditional rulers
and leaders across the country to speak out and make positive
contributions towards the unity, peace and development of the country.

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, stated this when he led other
members of the National Assembly on behalf of the Senate President,
Senator Bukola Saraki to Benin, to condole with the state government and
the Crown Prince, HRH Eheneden Erediauwa, the Edaike N'Uselu, over
the demise of Oba Erediauwa.

Joined by the state Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, they raised the alarm
over what they described as alleged attempt to destabilise the nation
through militancy in the Niger Delta and the South East, urging elders and
leaders of the zones to rise up and secure the unity of the nation.
Speaking on behalf of Saraki, Ekweremadu expressed worries over the
number of deaths being recorded both in the Niger Delta and the South
East due to the latest uprisings in the areas.

(THEGUARDIAN)