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Residents in Benin City are rushing to bury deceased relatives ahead of a funeral ban by the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II. The ban, starting December 14, coincides with the Igue festival, which prohibits funeral ceremonies. Mortuaries and event venues report a surge in activity as families adjust plans.

Families in Benin City are hastily retrieving the remains of deceased relatives from mortuaries following a ban on funeral rites announced by the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II. The restriction, effective from December 14, coincides with preparations for the annual Igue festival, which prohibits funeral ceremonies during its observance.

Osamudiamen Okungbowa, who came to claim his late mother’s body from a mortuary, expressed urgency, explaining, “If I don’t conduct the burial now, I’ll have to wait until late January 2025. As a Benin man, I must respect tradition.”

Similarly, Bosede Osawere shared her family’s decision to bury her father over the weekend to avoid carrying over costs and delays into 2025. “Our budget for the morgue doesn’t extend beyond this year,” she noted, adding that no family wants the burden of waiting until late January.

The rush has led to a surge in demand for funeral-related services, with mortuaries and event venues in the city experiencing high bookings. Many families are scrambling to hold ceremonies before the ban begins.

The Benin Traditional Council, through a statement by its Secretary, Mr. Frank Irabor, reminded the public of the prohibition on funeral celebrations during the Royal festival. The statement also included prayers for the well-being of families.

As residents adjust their plans, the cultural significance of the Igue festival underscores the community’s adherence to traditional values and respect for the monarchy's directives.