Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, the Oba of Benin, recently performed the 2023 Ugie Emobo rites, offering prayers to the Almighty God and ancestors on behalf of Nigeria.

The spiritual rites, performed to expel evil spirits that may linger anywhere in the country, included intense prayers in preparation for the coming new year.

Oba Ewuare II conducted the event, which featured supplications to God and the ancestors, as well as the striking of an ivory gong to dispel negative powers among soul-stirring songs.

The tradition of connecting with ancestral spirits at Ugie Emobo rites extends back centuries, indicating its importance.

A large crowd gathered to engage in the blessings of the Ugie Emobo ceremonies, demonstrating the event's widespread acceptance.

The procession, led by Oba Ewuare II, transformed specified routes such as Plymouth, airport roads, surrounding areas, and the King square, creating a tense mood as the renowned king played the royal drum.

Under the direction of Chief Okpamen Eghobamien, the Obamwonyi N' Ogbelaka of Benin, the Ogbelaka Royal drummers made significant contributions to the exhibition of Edo Cultural heritage.

Oba Ewuare II sang and danced around the King Square in Benin City, accompanied by Letema, who held the communal ancestral staff of Benin.

The Oba finished the event by praying for peace and blessings while waving ceremonial swords and the collective ancestral staff of Benin at the Edion Edo deity, leaving an everlasting mark in history.