By IMELDA OSAYANDE

The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has reminded members of the public to desist from a certain hairdo named ?Okuku,? which is reserved for wives of the Oba of Benin alone.

The Osuma of Benin, Chief Norense Ozigbo-Esere, reiterated this at a media briefing at the Oba of Benin?s palace on Thursday.

The council emphasised that Okuku hairdo was strictly reserved for the Oba?s wives (Queens) and not for the public.

According to Chief Ozigbo-Esere, the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, directed that the public be enlightened on the Okuku ban following appeals from the kingdom?s sons and daughters in diaspora seeking clarification.

According to him, the different aspects of Okuku hold significant religious and cultural value, which cannot be explained to those unfamiliar with the tradition.

While displaying photographs of Okukus,? he said: ?The different aspects you see of Okuku are of religious and cultural significance which cannot be explained to the uninitiated.?

He also reiterated the ban on the public use of Ada (sceptre) and Eben (Scimitar) during social events, stressing that only authorized persons were permitted to use the symbols.

Additionally, Osuma of Benin recommended the Ewu Iwu dress with long beads for Benin males who wished to wear traditional attire.

He emphasised that the bottom part of the Ewu Iwu should not be in Ododo form or adorned with symbols.

?Such symbols include palm trees, stars, moons, suns, or leopards, as these hold significant religious and cultural value to the Oba of Benin,? he said. (NAN)

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