The Omo N’Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, has performed the Ugie Emobo rites which entail the release of spiritual power against evil forces in the kingdom.

The Ugie Emobo is one of the most significant traditional ancient rites due to its spiritual connection during the Igue festival.

It is celebrated to mark the defeat of Benin’s giant Prince Idubor, popularly known as Aruan, who lived at Udo, Ovia South West Local Government Area.

Aruan had gone to war against his brother, Prince Osawe, and after his defeat, his brother became Oba Esigie.

The Ugie Emobo ceremony is characterised by majestic dance steps of the Oba to soul-stirring traditional songs and drum beats by the Ogbelaka group.

It began with a royal procession led by Oba Ewuare, after a special salutation to his ancestors at ‘Ugha-Ozolua’ axis of the Oba’s Palace.

Oba Ewuare offered prayers of thanksgiving to God and the ancestors for the passing year, surrounded. (The Nation)