The Igue festival of Edo State,
Nigeria, is a seven-day celebration at the end of the year to eulogize the ancestral
kingship and head of the Great Edo Kingdom. Myths have it that the festival was
instituted by Omo N ‘Oba Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare.
The Omo N ‘Oba Uku Akpolokpolo,
Oba Ewuare is said to have been betrayed by his younger brother and kinsmen,
who denied him kingship as he was the heir apparent. His life was constantly on
the line as he became a threat to the king and always on the lookout for by the
royal soldiers. Howbeit, he survived all the encounters he had, both with wild animals
in the bush and humans. Oba Ewuare N’ogidigan had vowed that he would sanctify
his head with the blood of animals if he ever ascended the throne of his father.
The Igue festival is the fulfillment of that vow.
The festival is also a period to drive away evil spirits, known
as Ubi and bring blessings, known as Ewere to every home in the kingdom. Moreover,
it is a period set aside traditionally by the Edos to thank the gods for blessings
on the Oba, his palace harem and subjects. Shrines are hallowed; ancestral gods
are worshipped for protection; and propitiation is carried out in various places
of the society.
During the seven days of elaborate traditional and cultural
activities, Edo chiefs are seen in their enviable traditional regalia and the
symbol of authority; while the queens are dressed in their traditional hair-do.
It is a rare occasion of their public appearance, where the Oba's stalwart are
seen in active service.
The Oba inaugurates the Igue
festival with a ceremony known as Igue Oba. This is followed by a cleansing
ritual of the extended royal family; then finally, the Igue Edo hia, an oblation performed by the Edos and their families
in their homes, is observed. The ceremony commences at 7 p.m. and lasts till
about 4 a.m. with the chiefs. The ceremony takes the form of a musical night. There
are songs, dances, and stories to tell. The people drink and make merry.
Oba Ewuare decreed that Igue
Festival should take place at the end of each year. It ends the old and ushers
in the New Year. The Igue, therefore, is a commemoration of victory over the
forces of nature and men.
(Source:
http://www.edoworld.net/The_Igue_Festival.html)
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