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Residents of Benin City, Edo State have been directed not to cook with fire or any other process that generates heat on Sunday.
The directive, issued by the Benin Traditional Council on Friday, is part of the funeral rites scheduled to mark the transition of the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo Erediauwa, as well as one of the activities leading to the coronation of a new monarch.
A statement signed by the Secretary of Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, reads:
“This is to inform the general public, that in continuation of the Royal Funeral Rites and in accordance with Benin Customs and Tradition, there shall be no cooking with fire in the every household in Benin Kingdom on Sunday, 5th June, 2016.”
“This is the day of Edenagberen-Mwiwu in the Royal Funeral Rites Programme. All Benins as well as non-indigenes are expected to observe this rite.”
Anxious residents have questioned how they will feed without cooking on Sunday. They also asked questions about what would happen to anyone that breaks the rule.
Clarifying the directive in a telephone interview, the Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Chief David Edebiri, told Premium Times that non-indigenes need not be too disturbed by the directive as as it is made for the sons and daughters of Benin Kingdom.