At the period of Igue festivities i.e. at the month of December the Oba of Benin usually confirmed titles both hereditary or non hereditary on any deserving Sons of Benin The confirmation ceremonies are always carried out in the Oba” palace in the area known as Ugha Ozolua or at any other convenient area such as the Ugha Erhoba during Ugie or festivals.
Conferment ceremonies are attended by the Oba himself sometimes with his wives and members of the royal family, all classes of Benin chiefs and the general public.
The ceremonies are in two parts.
(1) The Iwoghene or Itiedeha ceremonies: These ceremonies are performed a day or two before the public confirmation ceremonies for the Eghavbo N’Ogbe., the Iwoghene ceremonies are performed within the palace; while the Itiedeha ceremonies are performed by the Eghaevbo N’Ore at the Iyase’s house.
(ji) The public ceremonies of confirmation: The order of the confirmation ceremonies are as follows:
The Uwangue or in his absence, his deputy who is the next senior Eghaevbo N’Iwebo title holder present, calls the assembly to order by pronouncing the word “Evbara” four times. Thereafter, the Oka-avbiogbe .replies by saying “Gban Uwa gi Oba, Nie Obo ne U dia” The chief then salutes the Oba by clasping his clenched right hand, fist on to his left hand palm and stretching the clenched right hand up to the direction of the Oba
Next the Uwangue calls out “Olidumwun” (the quarter head) where the Okao-Avbiegbe answers with the words “Gban Uwa gi Oba — Nie Obq ne U dia” (send grace to the Oba, salute him and wait)
The Oba then makes the traditional presentation of kola-nuts to the chiefs.
Next, the Uwangue and the Eghaevbo N’Ore chiefs announce the purpose of the assembly by saying “Oba ghá ru ese ere (the Oba wishes to bestow a gracious honour today) and the assembly replies by saying O gha dia ruee, O gha dia ruee” (may he live to carry out his wishes).
Thereafter the Uwangu will call the recipient by name four times by saying “Gha de urho uwa”(come to the gate of glory).
The Iyase, Esogban, Eson, and Osuma (The Eghaévbó Ne ene or Ikadele N’Ene — (The four cardinal town chiefs) will pronounce on behalf of the Oba that the title is confirmed. This is done in the following order.The chief kneels down. The Esogban call his name four times and the chief replies after the fourth time by saying “He Ye”. The Iyase thereafter announces that the Oba has graciously confirmed such and such a title (he names the title) on him.
The public and chiefs well- wishers and his entourage acknowledge the honour with oviation.
Next, the Iyase walks to the Oba followed by other chiefs to receive instructions from the Oba and thereafter inform the chief of the privileges, rights, insignia and rank of his title which the Oba has bestowed on the title holder.. This usually comprises sense of instructions involving walking from the recipient to and from the Oba several times, usually three to four times.
The final stage of the ceremonies is the ‘Igbeken’ This consists of four movements. The chief moves four steps, kneels, his two palms fingers placed on the ground tip-to-tip, turn palms outward and finally turn them forward. He then lifts his hands and touch both shoulders in turn and thereafter touches his head with both hands. He stands up to give the traditional salutation with the words “Oba’ gha to o kpre” (long lives the Oba). ‘This movement is done in four stages and thereafter, the Oba acknowledges the chiefs loyalty. The chief joined by his followers begins the traditional dance with songs
(i) “Eu! Eu! ! Heee” — Hay Hay
(ji) I vbare I vbare — I come, I come
I vbare edion Nikaro - I come to the elders.
(¡¡¡) Kponmwn Oba me — Thank the Oba for me
Egua ruese — The palace has done me great honour.
The people and the chief thank the Qba after which the chief with his people dance away. Finally, the Oba departs after tossing the Eben to the spirits of his ancestors.
