CITIZENS COMPASS —A groom, Izoduwa Imasuen has reportedly uncured curses from the Royal Palace of Benin in Edo State, for dancing and spinning in a rotating manner the traditional Eben known as a Royal Scepter.

It was learnt that the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, frowned at the dance and instructed hos palace chiefs on the next line of action. 

The wedding ceremony, was captured in a viral video on social media. 

The monarch was said to have responded saying the practice undermined the age-long tradition of the Benin Kingdom.

The Oba, in a statement dated Wednesday, October 18, 2023, and signed by the Esere of Benin, Chief S. O. Obamwonyi, described the action of the celebrants as an abomination, aberration and a distortion of Benin traditional marriage processes and procedures.

He explained that only chieftaincy title-holders are traditionally allowed to twirl the Eben while paying homage to the Oba of Benin, and it’s never a part of a wedding ceremony.

The statement reads: “The attention of the Benin Traditional Council has been drawn to a recent traditional marriage ceremony of one Izoduwa Imasuen which took place on 26th August, 2023.

“It was observed that during the marriage ceremony, Izoduwa Imasuen and his groom’s men were twirling the traditional Eben while dancing during the marriage ceremony.

The general public should note that this act by lzoduwa Imasuen is an abomination, aberration and a distortion of Benin traditional marriage processes and procedures.

“The twirling of Eben in Benin customs and tradition is by chieftaincy title holders while paying homage to the Oba of Benin. Twirling of Eben is never a part of marriage ceremony.

The Palace of the Oba of Benin condemns this act by lzoduwa Imasuen and his groom’s men in all ramifications.

His Roya! Majesty, Oba of Benin has instructed the Ewaise group to place a curse on all those that are undermining and bringing into frivolities and disrepute our highly valued age-long tradition.

“The public especially those that are planning traditional marriages should endeavour to stick to the acceptable customs and tradition, and avoid bastardisation and self-imposed curses.”