Oba of Bini places curse on couple who violated Edo culture

By Samuel Ogunsona

A newly married couple has been cursed for violating Bini culture during a marriage ceremony.

The Oba of Bini Ewuare 11 placed the curse after a couple with tens of their aides trampled on Eben, a traditional mantle of the Edo civilisation

Izoduwa Imasuen, his wife and some in the bridal train twirled the Eben while dancing during the marriage event.

A royal statement made available to Irohinoodua described the action of the couple an abomination, aberration and a distortion of Benin traditional marriage processes and procedures.

The Oba said that Eben is traditionally twirled only by chieftaincy title holders while paying homage to the Oba and is never a part of a marriage ceremony.

The Oba said “The attention of the Benin Traditional Council has been drawn to a recent traditional marriage ceremony of one Izoduwa Imasuen which took place on 26th August 2023.

“It was observed that during the marriage ceremony, Izoduwa Imasuen and his groom’s men were twirling the traditional Eben while dancing during the marriage ceremony.

He said “The twirling of Eben in Benin customs and tradition is by chieftaincy title holders while paying homage to the Oba of Benin. Twirling of Eben is never a part of a marriage ceremony.

“The Palace of the Oba of Benin condemns this act by lzoduwa Imasuen and his groom’s men in all ramifications.

“His Roya! Majesty, Oba of Benin has instructed the Ewaise group to place a curse on all those who are undermining and bringing into frivolities and disrepute our highly valued age-long tradition.

“The general public especially those that are planning traditional marriages should endeavour to stick to the acceptable customs and tradition, and avoid bastardization and self-imposed curses.”