The ancient Ekasa performance yesterday, in honour of Queen Mother, Iyoba Omo N’ikuoyemwen, Iyoba Ewuare II, ended the first part of funeral rites, which lasted for 14 days.
The colourful Ekasa performance was to the excitement of the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II; the royal family; other indigenes of Benin Kingdom; and their friends worldwide.
Ekasa, a spiritually-embedded dance procession, is performed during Oba of Benin’s coronation ceremonies and funeral rites of Queen Mother in Benin Kingdom.
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The Ekasa performance, according to Oba of Benin’s Chief Press Secretary, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, in a press statement, stated that it was held at the Queen Mother’s Palace, Uselu, Benin, which preceded Ikpowia, the last wake of the funeral ceremony, and Isuerhanfua, the last ceremony in the funeral programme for Omo N’ikuoyemwen, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin’s mother, who transited 49 years ago.
Ekasa dancers processed with spiritual renditions across various Queen mothers’ traditional worship sites, including Iyoba Ikuoyemwen’s statue.
The Obazelu of Benin Kingdom, Chief Osaro Idah, unveiled Ekasa, on behalf of the first-class monarch.
The Oyairioba of Benin Kingdom, Chief Robert Ohuoba, in his remarks, disclosed that the Ekasa performance would continue daily, and would be rounded off on March 27 this year.