Oba of Benin calls for fasting, prayers to ward off evil from Edo

The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has called on Edo indigenes and residents of the state to embark on a two-week fasting and prayers to ward off evil from the land.

In a statement on Tuesday by the Esere of Benin, Stanley Obamwonyi, the monarch said that the fasting will commence on September 26 to October 9, from 6am to 6pm.

He urged all Benin sons and daughters at home and abroad to fast and pray during the period.

The statement read, “His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin, uses this medium to inform the general public that from 26 September, 2024 to 9th October, 2024, all sons and daughters of Benin Kingdom and, by extension indigenes and non-indigenes living in Edo State, to embark on two weeks fasting and prayer.

“The Omo N’Oba also enjoins the general public during this two weeks fasting and prayer to appreciate God Almighty for the peaceful conduct of the 2024 Gubernatorial Election, and for warding off all forms of evil out of our land.

“In addition, and in line with our age-long tradition that before the commencement of the consumption of the yearly new yam (Emorho).

“It is important that we fast and pray to God Almighty and the royal ancestors for bountiful harvest and to shield us away from sudden death and for peace and tranquility in our individual homes, families, state and country at large.

“All Benin sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora are to fast and pray during this period. The two weeks fasting period is from 6a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.”

The Oba’s call for prayers and fasting comes two days after the Independence National Electoral Commission declared the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Monday Okpebholo, winner of the September 21 Edo governorship election.

Okpebholo defeated Asue Ighodalo, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party and the anointed candidate of Governor Godwin Obaseki.