The Oba of Benin Palace has sounded a dire warning against those disrespecting the time-honored customs and traditions of the kingdom by wearing royal attire reserved exclusively for the Oba’s queens. On Friday, traditional priests and palace chiefs gathered at the Palace gate to perform a solemn ritual, marking the start of a crackdown on those who misuse royal regalia.
Chief Norense Ozigbo-Esere, the Osuma of Benin, who led the ceremony, declared that individuals or groups imitating royal customs, particularly the revered dressing style of the Oba’s queens, would face severe consequences. According to Ozigbo-Esere, those who misuse sacred royal symbols would invoke curses on themselves and their descendants.
“The Oba’s Palace has received reports of individuals and groups misusing sacred regalia,” said Chief Ozigbo-Esere, addressing a gathering of journalists. “It is unacceptable for people to wear the Oba’s queen’s attire, known as Okuku, or the sacred coral beads (Ikele) during events such as marriages and funerals.”
The statement refers to recent disturbing trends where women, particularly from cultural groups, have been spotted wearing the Okuku, the distinctive headgear worn only by the Oba’s queens, during ceremonial events. This, the palace argues, is a blatant disrespect to Benin customs.
“The Okuku is meant for the queens of the Oba of Benin. Any woman wearing this sacred attire is unknowingly attracting curses upon herself,” Chief Ozigbo-Esere warned, stressing that such acts undermine the dignity of the Benin monarchy.
The Palace also condemned the improper use of other royal regalia, such as the Eben, a ceremonial sword, and the Ada, which are reserved for titled chiefs when they pay homage to the Oba. These items have been seen inappropriately used during social functions, including birthdays and funerals, in clear violation of tradition. According to palace customs, the Eben should only be used by chiefs in formal settings with the Oba and not during social celebrations.
“The misuse of these sacred symbols has no place in our kingdom. They were not meant to be worn during everyday events,” he added. “We must protect the sacredness of our customs for future generations. Those who choose to disrespect this tradition must face the consequences.”
A deep sense of cultural pride and adherence to tradition underpins this move by the Palace. The Okuku, specifically, is not just a headpiece; it carries historical significance, representing the royal lineage and status of the Oba’s queens. Similarly, the coral beads, which are of great cultural importance, signify the prestige of the royal family.
At the ritual performed on Friday, traditional spiritual leaders invoked ancestral spirits, pouring libations on ancient sacred weapons, to back the curse placed on those violating these customs. The ceremony was a powerful reminder of the kingdom’s reverence for its ancestral values.
“We call upon the spirits of our ancestors to witness this declaration. May those who desecrate our traditions be cursed, not only in this life but for generations to come,” said one of the traditional priests during the ritual.
The Benin Traditional Council also raised concerns over the spread of misinformation about the kingdom’s customs, particularly on social media. They condemned conspiracy theorists who spread false narratives or misused the kingdom’s sacred insignia for personal gain.
“It has come to our attention that some individuals, either out of ignorance or malice, have been posting false information online. They have been misusing our royal symbols and spreading disrespectful narratives about our culture,” Ozigbo-Esere noted, urging the public to stop circulating such content.
He also revealed that certain cultural groups have taken it upon themselves to promote such acts of cultural misappropriation, particularly by wearing the royal regalia without authorization. This, he says, has led to confusion and distorted perceptions of Benin culture both within and outside Nigeria.
The Oba’s Palace, through these actions, aims to assert its authority over cultural preservation. The Benin kingdom, with its rich history, is one of the oldest monarchies in Nigeria, and its customs are held in the highest regard by the people.
“Our customs and traditions were passed down through generations, and we must ensure they are upheld. The Oba of Benin has made it clear: those who continue to disrespect these traditions will face the consequences,” emphasized Chief Ozigbo-Esere.
The Palace’s directive has sparked significant public interest, with many citizens discussing the implications of the curse. Some have expressed support for the palace’s position, saying it is necessary to protect the sacredness of the kingdom’s heritage. Others, however, have questioned the severity of the curse, arguing that it may be too harsh a measure for what they see as cultural appropriation rather than a deliberate act of disrespect.
For the people of Benin, the Palace’s intervention is a clear message that the preservation of tradition is non-negotiable. The kingdom’s rich cultural identity, symbolized by its royal attire and regalia, must be protected from misuse.
As the story unfolds, it remains to be seen how the public will react to these stern measures. Will the curse placed on those who disrespect the Benin monarchy be enough to curb the growing trend of cultural misappropriation, or will it serve to further ignite debates over the relevance of tradition in modern society?
In the meantime, the Oba’s Palace stands firm in its resolve to protect the integrity of Benin customs and ensure that those who seek to undermine them face the full weight of tradition’s punishment.
