Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II, declares fasting, prayers to ‘ward off evil from Edo’

The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has asked  indigenes and non-indigenes of Edo State  to embark on a two-week fasting and prayers to “ward off evil” from their land.

The Oba is making this  call three days after the declaration of the candidate of the All Peoples Congress, Monday Okpebholo as the new governor of the state by the Independent National Electoral Commission after last Saturday governorship election.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Oba said that the fasting will commence on September 26 to October 9, from 6am to 6pm.

He advised all Benin sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora to fast and pray during the period.

“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 statement reads.

“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.”

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