The Crown Prince, Eheneden Erediauwa, commences Ukpukpe rites

Jethro Ibileke/Benin

The burial rites for the late Oba of Benin, Oba Erediauwa, continues on Thursday morning with the Crown Prince and Edaiken n’Uselu, Eheneden Erediauwa, performing the Ukpukpe rites.

Also present at the ceremony which was held at the Ugha Ozolua Grounds, inside the Benin Palace, were other children of the departed Monarch and palace chiefs.

The ceremony involved a simple dance by the Crown Prince from the Altar of Oba Ozolua to the main gates of the Benin Palace four times.

The Edaiken n’Uselu who was decked in white traditional shirt, light brown royal skirt and red hat to match and armed with a sword, was assisted by palace attendance who held his hands all through.

Earlier before the arrival of the Crown Prince from his Edaiken Palace in Uselu, various palace groups had performed different dance ceremonies on the palace grounds.

Amongst the groups were the Ewaise (palace spiritual men), the Isienwenro (royal body guards) and the Ifeto (royal escorts).