The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has announced that the Benin Kingdom will officially commence the eating of new yams on September 30, following a palace ceremony.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor.
According to the Palace, the indoor ceremony—known as Emorho—will usher in the new yam into the royal household, symbolizing the beginning of the harvest season.
“Following the ceremony, all sons and daughters of the Benin Kingdom, as well as indigenes and non-indigenes living in Edo who participated in the two-week fasting and prayer exercise, can eat the new yam,” the statement read.
The two-week fasting and prayer, which began on September 15 and ended on September 28, was observed for peace, progress, and blessings for the land.
The Oba expressed gratitude to everyone who participated in the spiritual exercise and offered prayers for peace, prosperity, and happiness in all homes.
The New Yam Festival remains a significant cultural event across Nigeria, marking the first harvest of the yam crop and celebrating abundance, unity, and tradition.
