Alexander Okere and Sam Awoyinfa
Males in the Benin metropolis in Edo
State have begun the shaving of their heads in honour of the late Oba of
Benin, Omo n’Oba n’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa,
The demise of the monarch was announced
on Friday with the breaking of a native chalk by the Iyase of Benin
Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe.
Part of the mourning rites to be
observed by Benin sons include the shaving of heads and the closure of
markets in the seven local government areas that make up the Benin
Kingdom.
Our correspondent, who visited some of
the barber shops, observed a substantial compliance by many male
residents, who hail from the affected areas.
A barber on Owina Street, who gave his
name as Akhere, said that he recorded a 50 per cent increase in the
number of customers at his shop.
He also said that he had less difficulty
attending to them, since it was a complete shave, rather than the usual
choice of hairstyle by his customers.
Akhere said, “Not many people came to
have their heads shaved on Friday, when the palace made the
announcement. But Saturday was different because a lot people came to do
so; many of them were elderly men.”
A resident, Mr. John Ehanire, described the act as a ‘privilege’ for all Benin sons.
“I shaved my head to show respect for my
late king. It is a rare privilege for us because it happens once in a
long time,” he said.
Besides, major markets were shut. Many traders were seen selling their wares on walkways at the Oba and New Benin markets.
A market woman, who did not want her name in print, told SUNDAY PUNCH that activities could resume in the markets on Monday.
Also, a visit to the Oba’s Palace showed that a condolence register had yet to be opened.
Meanwhile, the Alake of Egbaland, and
the Olu of Ilaro, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo and Oba Kehinde Olugbenle
respectively on Saturday, mourned the death of the monarch and
commiserated with the people of Benin and the governor of Edo State,
Adams Oshiomhole.
They both described the departed monarch as an enigma and icon of the traditional institution in his lifetime.
In his tribute, Oba Adedotun described
the demise of Oba of Benin, as a great loss to the Benin Kingdom, the
Yoruba race in Nigeria and in the Diaspora.
He said, “He was a promoter, maintainer and sustainer of Benin rich culture and tradition.”
On his part, Oba Olugbenle described the late monarch as a symbol of the rich Benin culture and tradition.
He said, ‘‘His time witnessed tremendous transformation of the Benin Kingdom. He will no doubt be greatly missed by his people.”
source : punchng.com
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