15th Kano Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, Becomes 1st Northern Emir to Attend Benin’s Igue Festival
The 15th Emir of Kano Alh. Aminu Ado Bayero breaks jinx and become the first emir in Northern Nigeria to attend the 40 years seasoned Igue festival in Benin Kingdom.
Igue festival (also known as King’s Festival) is a celebration with its origin in the Benin Kingdom of Edo State, southern Nigeria was initiated in the 14th century during the reign of Oba Ewuare who reigned in Benin between 1440 and 1473. Following Oba Ewuare I’s experience whilst fighting as a prince for the Benin throne, he was known as Prince Ogun, the son of Oba Ohen at that time.
In a statement issued to newsmen by His Press Secretary, Abubakar Balarabe Kofar Naisa, he disclosed, The Igue festival consists of several other festivals put together by Oba of Benin Akenzua II.
One of tradition states that the festival date coincided with the marriage of Ewuare to a wife named Ewere. Celebrated between Christmas and New Year, the festival includes the Oba’s blessing of the land and his people.
The Igue festival also honors the memory of former Obas and spans a period of seven days. During the Igue ritual season, the Oba is prohibited from being in the presence of any non-native person. The seasoned festival take place in every 40 years.
The 15th Emir of Kano Alh. Aminu Ado Bayero this week became the first emir invited by Oba of Benin to grace this year’s seasoned festival. This is not unconnected with the Emir’s personal attribute of astonishing leadership quality, charisma that augments the Kano emirate to greater height which earn him a respect, admiration to be an epitome of decorum whose character is worthy emulation to emirs in Nigeria and good people of Kano state.
The emir was warmly welcomed by Oba of Benin kingdom and the crowds of natives in Benin, while the emir pray for the long life and prosperity to Oba of Benin, and also urge the good people of Benin to embrace peace and stability for a prosperous country.
His Highness was together with Magayakin Kano Alhaji Magaji Galadima, Alhaji Awaisu Abbas Sunusi, Malam Isa Sunusi as well as the rest of the Emir’s team.
