IGUEBEN TRADITIONS
Traditional Burial Rights of Chief Maurice Aigbogun - Ogun-gbengben of Igueben (Son of Prince Aigbogun Omeike) Ceremonies Day 4
Edionweres and Edions of the Benin Empire Unmasked. (October 2021)
{The most senior members of the society.}
In the photographs below Edion and Edionweres of Igueben of the Benin Empire are seen at work. The Oba relied on this arm of the administrative system for the smooth running of every kingdom in the empire. They were responsible to the Enoghie {local king} and the Oba in Benin City. Their duties included conferring new chieftaincy titles, preparing the empires soldiers for war and more. They held held the ultimate power in their own kingdoms of the Benin Empire.
In the photographs below they are seen at work carrying out traditional burial rites as established by Oba Ewurae 1 and other Warrior Kings nearly 600 hundred years ago.
The photographs include explanation of each scene.
View Photo album here --->
Picture 1
Today the Edionweres {most senior members}, the Edions {elders} join with the whole community to formally endorse the burial ceremonies which have been taking place over the past four days. The process involves the chiefs' children making presentation to the community to confirm that the rites were done according to Benin and Esan Burial rites and traditions. The first son the main celebrant is supported by other members of his family to do this. This is a very lengthy process that could take up to 6 -8 hours as the community leaders levy the family for various issues that come up in different areas. And the levies have to be paid in money or in kind.
Picture 2
The Chief celebrant formally introduces himself to the community as the heir of the family. The elders make their first request.
Picture 3
The chief celebrant meets up with his supporters to plan their approach to this set of community leaders and the requests likely to come up.
Picture 4
They begin mapping out their strategies.
Picture 7
Community elders have gathered. They wait for both sides to get into the negotiations.
Picture 8
The community elders have to be presented with kola nuts to formally welcome them before business begins.
Picture 11
A formal welcome to our elders and community leaders with bowls of kola nuts.
Picture 12
The Ediowere and the Edion.
Picture 13
They make their first request.
Picture 14
Celebrant and supporters go to put heads together on how to negotiate with them.
Picture 15
The elders have asked for cartons of drinks.
Picture 17
Edion has some harsh words for any disrespect shown them.
Picture 18
The requests and negotiations continue. This could take hours.
Picture 19
Female members seat away from the negotiations. They are not part of this. They offer supportive presence.
Picture 21
It is all hands on deck to raise the sums of money Edions are requesting.
Picture 22
Others not taking part in the negotiations keep a watchful eye on the progress of the rite.
Picture 23
The guy in white has the traditional Igbu throw over his attire. This was the dress code for the men who attended mass this morning at 6a.m. earlier this morning.
Picture 24
Daughters are honouring the caterers for the day.
Picture 25
Money is given to individual caterers as a thank you.
Picture 26
Chief celebrant in discussion with his team of supporters including his cousin Chief Clemon Aigbogun Chief Ebenze of Igueben. The one in white.
Picture 27
His junior brother comes to support him with reassuring words and offer of additional money.
Picture 28
An Edion recounts the money.
Picture 29
And another recount of the bank notes by another Edion. No miscounting can go undetected.
Picture 45
A cross section of the community.
Picture 46
Someone just stepped out of line. Edion calls him to order. Insubordination is unacceptable.
Picture 47
Edion is very unhappy.
Picture 48
This calls for an immediate fine.
Picture 49
The errant has to gather his fine and pay up before the rites can continue.
Picture 50
He pays up and Edion is happy again.
Picture 51
The levies on the family continues.
Picture 52
The counting and cross checking continue.
Picture 53
A new levy from Edions and it is back to the drawing table for the family supporters.
Picture 55
A traditional music band is providing entertainment for the day.
Picture 56
While waiting for the Edions to complete the rite attendees entertain themselves by dancing to the traditional music.
Picture 57
Another errant supporter. Edion pulls him up . Notice body language of both sides.
Picture 58
It is looking good. The heir has brought his mantle of office to the elders. They have asked him to get it. A white shirt.
Picture 59
The Edions pray over a drink and give it to him to drink.
Picture 60
He drinks it to partake of the agreement with the traditions.
Picture 61
The Edions lay out the rules for the conferring his mantle of office on him.
Picture 64
The coral beads bracelet must be presented with cash and kolanuts. Amounts specified by the Edions.
Picture 65
Negotiations continue.
Picture 67
Chief Clemon formally presents the mantle of office shirt to the Edions.
Picture 68
And the coral beads bracelet.
Picture 69
Edions put the coral beads bracelet on the heir.
Picture 70
Next his shirt.
Picture 73
He could do with a helping hand. Chief Clemon helps him.
Picture 75
Button up please.
Picture 76
All done. Put your cap back on.
Picture 77
He takes his oath of office.
Picture 78
A younger son also takes an oath to support the family.
Picture 79
The Edions give Chief Clemon and the other supporters final instructions.
Now the rites for the senior sons are complete the Edions turn to the levies for the other children.
Questions to determine the remainder levies:
How many children are there?
How many girls are married?
How many girls are co-habiting?
How many girls are unmarried?
How many girls have married within Igueben?
How many girls have foreign husbands {from outside Igueben}?
How many girls visited home regularly?
How many girls cared for their father?
Is there any girl who did not care for the deceased? {They will be fined according to the degree of parental neglect.t}
The Edions will levy each point above according to compliance with traditions and customs. The levies are to be paid before the rites can be concluded. The family supporters must negotiate on the new levies and then go and gather the total sums levied. They pay up. All moneys collected are shared and distributed amongst the various community groups {those present and those not present}. Groups with additional needs like widows and the old are given additional portions. This is Edo/ Esan welfare system in operation.
When all the levies are paid community celebration with the family can begin. The community dance, sing and feast with the family to celebrate a successful burial ceremony of their loved one.
Picture 80
The heir is now recognised by Igueben Community elders as the new head of his family. He now goes on a walk about to show himself to the community gathered as the new head of his family. His title becomes the Ogungbengben of Igueben.
Let the feasting begin by the order of the Ediowere and Edions of Igueben!
Sing, dance, make merry and feast.
Eguare Ghato!
Okpere!
Ise!
Long live our Kingdom!
Amen!
Oba Ghato!
Okpere!
Ise!
Long live the king!
Amen!
Traditional Burial Rights of Chief Maurice Aigbogun - Ogun-gbengben of Igueben (Son of Prince Aigbogun Omeike) Ceremonies Day 4
Edionweres and Edions of the Benin Empire Unmasked. (October 2021)
{The most senior members of the society.}
In the photographs below Edion and Edionweres of Igueben of the Benin Empire are seen at work. The Oba relied on this arm of the administrative system for the smooth running of every kingdom in the empire. They were responsible to the Enoghie {local king} and the Oba in Benin City. Their duties included conferring new chieftaincy titles, preparing the empires soldiers for war and more. They held held the ultimate power in their own kingdoms of the Benin Empire.
In the photographs below they are seen at work carrying out traditional burial rites as established by Oba Ewurae 1 and other Warrior Kings nearly 600 hundred years ago.
The photographs include explanation of each scene.
View Photo album here --->
Picture 1
Today the Edionweres {most senior members}, the Edions {elders} join with the whole community to formally endorse the burial ceremonies which have been taking place over the past four days. The process involves the chiefs' children making presentation to the community to confirm that the rites were done according to Benin and Esan Burial rites and traditions. The first son the main celebrant is supported by other members of his family to do this. This is a very lengthy process that could take up to 6 -8 hours as the community leaders levy the family for various issues that come up in different areas. And the levies have to be paid in money or in kind.
Picture 2
The Chief celebrant formally introduces himself to the community as the heir of the family. The elders make their first request.
Picture 3
The chief celebrant meets up with his supporters to plan their approach to this set of community leaders and the requests likely to come up.
Picture 4
They begin mapping out their strategies.
Picture 7
Community elders have gathered. They wait for both sides to get into the negotiations.
Picture 8
The community elders have to be presented with kola nuts to formally welcome them before business begins.
Picture 11
A formal welcome to our elders and community leaders with bowls of kola nuts.
Picture 12
The Ediowere and the Edion.
Picture 13
They make their first request.
Picture 14
Celebrant and supporters go to put heads together on how to negotiate with them.
Picture 15
The elders have asked for cartons of drinks.
Picture 17
Edion has some harsh words for any disrespect shown them.
Picture 18
The requests and negotiations continue. This could take hours.
Picture 19
Female members seat away from the negotiations. They are not part of this. They offer supportive presence.
Picture 21
It is all hands on deck to raise the sums of money Edions are requesting.
Picture 22
Others not taking part in the negotiations keep a watchful eye on the progress of the rite.
Picture 23
The guy in white has the traditional Igbu throw over his attire. This was the dress code for the men who attended mass this morning at 6a.m. earlier this morning.
Picture 24
Daughters are honouring the caterers for the day.
Picture 25
Money is given to individual caterers as a thank you.
Picture 26
Chief celebrant in discussion with his team of supporters including his cousin Chief Clemon Aigbogun Chief Ebenze of Igueben. The one in white.
Picture 27
His junior brother comes to support him with reassuring words and offer of additional money.
Picture 28
An Edion recounts the money.
Picture 29
And another recount of the bank notes by another Edion. No miscounting can go undetected.
Picture 45
A cross section of the community.
Picture 46
Someone just stepped out of line. Edion calls him to order. Insubordination is unacceptable.
Picture 47
Edion is very unhappy.
Picture 48
This calls for an immediate fine.
Picture 49
The errant has to gather his fine and pay up before the rites can continue.
Picture 50
He pays up and Edion is happy again.
Picture 51
The levies on the family continues.
Picture 52
The counting and cross checking continue.
Picture 53
A new levy from Edions and it is back to the drawing table for the family supporters.
Picture 55
A traditional music band is providing entertainment for the day.
Picture 56
While waiting for the Edions to complete the rite attendees entertain themselves by dancing to the traditional music.
Picture 57
Another errant supporter. Edion pulls him up . Notice body language of both sides.
Picture 58
It is looking good. The heir has brought his mantle of office to the elders. They have asked him to get it. A white shirt.
Picture 59
The Edions pray over a drink and give it to him to drink.
Picture 60
He drinks it to partake of the agreement with the traditions.
Picture 61
The Edions lay out the rules for the conferring his mantle of office on him.
Picture 64
The coral beads bracelet must be presented with cash and kolanuts. Amounts specified by the Edions.
Picture 65
Negotiations continue.
Picture 67
Chief Clemon formally presents the mantle of office shirt to the Edions.
Picture 68
And the coral beads bracelet.
Picture 69
Edions put the coral beads bracelet on the heir.
Picture 70
Next his shirt.
Picture 73
He could do with a helping hand. Chief Clemon helps him.
Picture 75
Button up please.
Picture 76
All done. Put your cap back on.
Picture 77
He takes his oath of office.
Picture 78
A younger son also takes an oath to support the family.
Picture 79
The Edions give Chief Clemon and the other supporters final instructions.
Now the rites for the senior sons are complete the Edions turn to the levies for the other children.
Questions to determine the remainder levies:
How many children are there?
How many girls are married?
How many girls are co-habiting?
How many girls are unmarried?
How many girls have married within Igueben?
How many girls have foreign husbands {from outside Igueben}?
How many girls visited home regularly?
How many girls cared for their father?
Is there any girl who did not care for the deceased? {They will be fined according to the degree of parental neglect.t}
The Edions will levy each point above according to compliance with traditions and customs. The levies are to be paid before the rites can be concluded. The family supporters must negotiate on the new levies and then go and gather the total sums levied. They pay up. All moneys collected are shared and distributed amongst the various community groups {those present and those not present}. Groups with additional needs like widows and the old are given additional portions. This is Edo/ Esan welfare system in operation.
When all the levies are paid community celebration with the family can begin. The community dance, sing and feast with the family to celebrate a successful burial ceremony of their loved one.
Picture 80
The heir is now recognised by Igueben Community elders as the new head of his family. He now goes on a walk about to show himself to the community gathered as the new head of his family. His title becomes the Ogungbengben of Igueben.
Let the feasting begin by the order of the Ediowere and Edions of Igueben!
Sing, dance, make merry and feast.
Eguare Ghato!
Okpere!
Ise!
Long live our Kingdom!
Amen!
Oba Ghato!
Okpere!
Ise!
Long live the king!
Amen!