Arts & Culture

His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, has formally received 18 looted Benin artefacts repatriated from Switzerland after about 125 years, declaring that the priceless cultural objects are symbols of governance, spirituality and the identity of the Edo people, not mere curiosities. Receiving the delegation led by the Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments …

The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, on Wednesday invoked ancestral powers against kidnappers, armed robbers, murderers and other violent criminals, placing traditional curses on those responsible for insecurity in Edo State and across Nigeria. The spiritual exercise, which drew traditional priests, priestesses and traditional physicians (Ewaise) from across the Benin Kingdom, followed the monarch’s …

His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, on Tuesday directed traditional worshippers, native doctors, priests and priestesses across Edo South Senatorial District to embark on spiritual warfare against banditry and other violent crimes ravaging parts of Nigeria. The revered Monarch gave the directive during a meeting with traditionalists drawn from the seven …

Edo State Chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has announced a total prohibition on the use, installation, and conferment of the titles Ezeigbo, Ezendigbo, Igwe, and other similar monarchical designations within the state. The group, a foremost socio-cultural organization representing the interests, welfare, and unity of the Igbo people, described the practice as illegal and contrary to both traditional customs and …

Rooted in the traditions of our ancestors, the Ekaba Festival is closely associated with the worship of Olokun, the revered deity of prosperity, abundance, and protection. It is a period set aside to give thanks for life, peace, and sustenance, while also seeking divine guidance and blessings for the year ahead. By Chris Nehikhare ach year, the people of Evboehighae …

s the Edo community in Boston celebrated the 2025 Igue, an annual indigenous festival, the host committee has called for the unity of the Edo people and more supports for the continuity of the festival in the State of Massachusetts, the United States of America. At the festival, which was held in Boston on December 27, 2025, the Chairman of …

By Idahosa Musa A group of market women in Benin, Edo State Capital have expressed solidarity with Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin for upholding Benin rich culture and tradition. The declaration followed Edo market women leadership crisis connecting the recent courtesy visit by Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo — the daughter of …

”Iyaloja is alien to us in Benin. Here, every market has its Iye’ki, who performs cultural roles for the palace. The Oba does not interfere as long as the Iye’ki performs her duties,” the monarch said. The recent installation of Pastor Josephine Ibhaguezejele by the Iyaloja-General of Market Women Association, Mrs Folashade Ojo-Tinubu, as the Iyaloja of Edo State has …

By Dr. Harrison I. Okao, JP (Ohen Osa) Recent developments surrounding the purported and unauthorized installation of an “Iyaloja” in Benin City against the express admonition of His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin, have stirred a matter that goes far beyond politics or administration. This is not merely a breach of protocol; it is an assault on the cultural …

The renovation of the National Theatre was undertaken by the CBN and the Bankers’ Committee in partnership with the Lagos State Government and the Federal Government of Nigeria. President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday night reassured that Nigeria will not split but will remain a strong, vibrant economy under his watch. He appealed to Nigerians to stop painting a negative picture …