The Oba of Benin, Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, on Monday performed the ancient Ugierhoba rite, formally opening the 2025 Igue festival.

The ceremony took place at the sacred Ugharhoba axis of the Benin Palace, underscoring continuity between ancestral tradition and contemporary Benin life.

Chief Press Secretary to the Oba, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, said Ugierhoba denotes sacred altars honouring Oba Ewuare’s forebears, venerated during Igue, also called “Ugie”.

At Ugierhoba, the Oba undertook solitary introspection, offering prayers with intercessory groups for guidance, renewal, his family’s wellbeing, the kingdom and Nigeria.

Proceedings began with a solemn procession after the Oba paid tribute to royal ancestors at Ugha-Ozolua, observing established ancient traditional norms.

Ihogbe, Ehondor, Ifiento, Ewaise and chiefs rendered stewardship accounts, as ritual animal sacrifices were performed in keeping with tradition.

Iguobaro said, “The rite binds past and present, renewing spiritual bonds that sustain Benin’s heritage.”

Joined by his children and royal family, the Oba inspired palace fans, his confident presence energising the traditional orchestra’s rhythm.

(NAN)

Reps summon Dangote Refinery, NMDPRA over downstream tensions

The House of Representatives Joint Committee on Petroleum Resources has invited Dangote Refinery and the NMDPRA to resolve disagreements threatening the downstream petroleum sector.

Chairman Ikenga Ugochinyere said after an emergency Abuja meeting on Monday that rising tensions could undermine the fragile stability recently achieved.

He said the committee must act swiftly, as efforts continue to stabilise supply, pricing and regulation in Nigeria’s post-subsidy petroleum era.

“The key issue is the renewed tension arising from concerns and allegations raised by Alhaji Aliko Dangote against the NMDPRA. We are guarding hard-won stability; sustainable solutions require identifying critical issues, hence our invitation to Dangote and the NMDPRA leadership,” he said.

He said petitions received cover import licence issuance and whether domestic refineries can meet Nigeria’s daily petroleum demand.

Ugochinyere said all outstanding matters would be examined when refining and regulatory stakeholders appear before the committee.

(NAN)