Igue Festival: A Celebration of Benin Heritage

The Igue festival stands as the preeminent cultural celebration in Edo State, Nigeria. Renowned for its majestic displays and profound significance to the Benin people, this annual event marks the culmination of the Benin calendar and serves as a thanksgiving ceremony for the year gone by.

While traditionally observed in September during ancient times, the festival now takes place each December, a change instituted by Oba Akenzua to align with other seasonal festivities.

The roots of the Igue festival can be traced back to the reign of Oba Ewuare the Great who reigned from 1440 to 1473. Following a series of personal tribulations before ascending the throne, Oba Ewuare introduced many innovations to the festival. These changes did not only reflect his own experiences but also the evolving needs and aspirations of the Benin people.

Royal Lineage and Ugie-Evhoba

The Benin kingdom boasts a long and illustrious lineage of Obas (kings). The Igue festival incorporates the Ugie-Evhoba ceremony, a week-long observance dedicated to honoring the spirits of departed Obas.

During this time, the Benin people make propitiations to invoke blessings upon the reigning monarch, the royal family, and all subjects of the kingdom. This practice underscores the deep connection between the living and the ancestral spirits in Benin culture.

Spiritual Cleansing and Blessings

At its core, the Igue festival is a time of spiritual renewal and thanksgiving. The Benin people express gratitude to their gods for protection and preservation throughout the year.

Simultaneously, they seek divine blessings for the future. The festival involves offering sacrifices to various deities within the palace, each ritual carrying its own significance and purpose.

One of the most important aspects of Igue is the ritual cleansing of the kingdom. This involves driving away evil spirits (Ubi) and inviting blessings (Ewere) into every home. This practice reflects the Benin belief in the importance of maintaining spiritual harmony for the well-being of both individuals and the community as a whole.

Royal Spectacle and Chieftaincy Display

The Igue festival provides a magnificent showcase of Benin royalty and nobility. During the celebrations, the Oba (king) presides majestically from the royal chamber, known as Ogi-Ukpo.

Meanwhile, chieftaincy title holders participate in the Ugie dance, a ceremonial display where they brandish their Eben emblems – symbols of their status and authority.

The attire worn by the chiefs during this dance is of particular significance. Each chief’s outfit corresponds to the specific type of dress bestowed upon them by the Oba during their title conferment ceremony. This visual display serves as a powerful reminder of the hierarchical structure and the intricate system of honors within Benin society.

While deeply rooted in tradition, the Igue festival continues to evolve and maintain its relevance in modern times. Today, it serves not only as a spiritual and cultural observance but also as a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from across Nigeria and beyond to Edo State.

The festival offers a unique opportunity to witness the rich heritage, artistic expressions, and enduring traditions of the Benin people. For the people of Benin, the Igue festival remains a cornerstone of their cultural identity.

It reinforces community bonds, honors ancestral wisdom, and provides a moment for collective reflection and celebration. As such, the festival plays a crucial role in preserving and transmitting Benin culture to future generations.

Thanks for reading, OldNaija.

References:

1. Affairs, E. (2024, September 6). Igue Festival edo State – stories to know in 2024. Edoaffairs. https://edoaffairs.com/igue-festival/
2. Omipidan, T. (2019, January 6). List of Obas (Kings) of Benin Empire – OldNaija. OldNaija. https://oldnaija.com/2017/05/27/list-of-obas-kings-of-benin-empire/
3. History, B. (n.d.). Igue: the Benin Festival of Thanksgiving. Benin History. https://beninhistory.org/origins/f/igue-the-benin-festival-of-thanksgiving-and-new-year-celebration
4. Omipidan, T. (2023, November 2). Pre-Colonial Political Administration of the Benin Empire – OldNaija. OldNaija. https://oldnaija.com/2017/01/18/pre-colonial-political-administration-of-the-benin-empire/