Igue festival
Festival in Nigeria by the Binis
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Igue festival (also known as King's Festival) is a celebration with its origin in the Benin Kingdom of Edo State, southern Nigeria.[1] One tradition states that the festival date coincided with the marriage of Ewuare to a wife named Ewere.[2] Celebrated between Christmas and New Year, the festival includes the Oba's blessing of the land and his people.The Igue festival also honors the memory of former Obas and spans a period of seven days.[3] During the Igue ritual season, the Oba is prohibited from being in the presence of any non-native person.[3]
.jpg)
| Igue festival | |
|---|---|
Igue Festival (Chiefs and the Ọba) | |
| Nickname | King's Festival |
| Status | Active |
| Genre | Festivals |
| Date | December |
| Begins | 1440 |
| Frequency | Annually |
| Location | Edo State |
| Country | Nigeria |
History
The Igue Festival was initiated in the 14th century during the reign of Oba Ewuare I, who reigned in Benin between 1440 and 1473.[4] Following Oba Ewuare I's experience whilst fighting as a prince for the Benin throne, he was known as Prince Ogun, the son of Oba Ohen at that time.[5]
The Igue festival, however, now consists of several other festivals put together by Oba Akenzua II. This is because he wanted the festival to last for a couple of days due to the current movement of people and the Igue festival has become a terminal for many other festivals celebrated by the Benin people.[5][6]
