The dance by a groom at his traditional marriage has drawn the ire of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.
The dance saw the groom and his men twirled the traditional Eben (Royal Septer).
The video of the dance has since gone viral on social media.
The dance incurred the wrath of the revered monarch for undermining the age-long tradition of the Benin Kingdom.
In a statement signed by the Esere of Benin, Chief S. O. Obamwonyi, and dated October 18, 2023, the Oba described the action of the celebrants as an abomination, aberration, and a distortion of Benin traditional marriage processes and procedures.
According to the statement, only chieftaincy title-holders are traditionally allowed to twirl the Eben while paying homage to the Oba of Benin, and it’s never a part of the wedding ceremony.
The statement read: “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.
“The general public should note that this act by lzoduwa Imasuen is an abomination, aberration, and distortion of Benin traditional marriage processes and procedures.
“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 the 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 that 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.”
