By Ehichioya Steve Odion
The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has expressed its displeasure over the attitude of some individuals who have formed the habit of indulging in the abuse, adulteration in an abominable fashion the well-cherished Benin customs and tradition.
The council while briefing newsmen said it had noticed for some time now that some uninformed and disgruntled elements when performing marriage and burial ceremonies adorn themselves with the Benin Chieftaincy traditional paraphernalia such as the round coral beads (Ikele) Eben and Okuku.
"For the avoidance of doubt, the Eben is only used by titled chiefs when paying homage to the Oba of Benin
"The Eben has not and is not part of the items used during marriage and burial ceremonies. It has also been noticed that some women and cultural groups as part of their dressing mode, adorn themselves with full paraphernalia including head-gears (okuku) which are the exclusive preserves of the Oba’s wives (Queens)".
They strongly stated clearly that the Okuku is only worn by the Queens (Iloi) of the Oba of Benin, adding that those women that put on this Okuku are inadvertently bringing curses to themselves.
"The dressing mode of a true Benin person during marriages, burial .ceremonies and other social events is Ewu lwu dress with the long coral beads called Udegugghg
"The abuse of the coral beads (Ikele), Eben and Okuku would no longer be tolerated by the Palace of the Oba of Benin. Let it be known by the general public that His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare Il, CFR, Oba of Benin has directed the Chiefs, Priests and Priestesses of the various deities in Benin Kingdom to place a CURSE on those that would henceforth engage in this abominable, sacrilegious and denigrating act of our very revered cherished Benin customs and tradition as laid down by our ancestors.
"Be it known that the consequences of the breach and violation of this age-long customs and tradition would be met with serious consequences that could affect their generations yet unborn. All well meaning Edo sons and daughters and the general public are advised to take note".
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