The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has directed all traditional chiefs and leaders in the Benin Kingdom to perform the traditional “Bisusu” ceremony.
The directive aims to ensure a peaceful and violence-free election scheduled for September 21, 2024.
The announcement was made by Chief Stanley Obamwonyi, the Esere of Benin, in a statement released on Wednesday.
The “Bisusu” ceremony is a time-honored ritual among the Benin people, designed to ward off evil and prevent calamities. This ritual involves the use of traditional items and is meant to cleanse the land of malevolent forces.
According to Chief Obamwonyi, the ceremony will involve a wide array of traditional leaders including Chiefs, Enigie, Ikao, Edionwere, and Igie Ohen of various deities in the Benin Kingdom.
“The Oba’s directive is aimed at ensuring that the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Edo State is conducted in a peaceful manner, free from violence and electoral malpractices,” Obamwonyi said.
The Esere of Benin emphasized that the performance of the “Bisusu” ceremony is crucial for maintaining order and stability in the run-up to the election.
“The ceremony is intended to prevent evil from affecting Edo, especially before, during, and after the election,” he added.
The Oba’s intervention reflects the importance of traditional practices in the political and social life of the Benin Kingdom.
In the past, traditional ceremonies like the “Bisusu” have played a role in maintaining peace and stability within the region.
The upcoming governorship election in Edo State is expected to be highly competitive, with various political parties and candidates vying for power.
The “Bisusu” ceremony is seen as a way to invoke traditional powers and ensure that the election process remains smooth and orderly.
Traditional leaders in the Benin Kingdom are now tasked with carrying out the ceremony promptly and using their influence to promote peace.
The Edo gubernatorial election has attracted significant attention, and the traditional ritual underscores the role of cultural practices in the electoral process.
Oba Ewuare II’s directive comes at a time when Nigeria is facing various challenges related to electoral violence and political unrest.
The use of traditional rituals like “Bisusu” highlights the blending of cultural heritage with modern political processes in Nigeria.
