The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has called on Edo indigenes and residents to embark on a two-week fasting and prayer to ward off evil and promote peace in the state.
In a statement on Monday by the Obamedo of Benin, Efosa Igbinomwanhia, the revered traditional ruler said the fasting would commence from September 15 to September 28.
The monarch also urged all Benin sons and daughters at home and abroad 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 15 September, 2025 to 28th September, 2025, 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 read.
The Oba emphasised that this initiative aligns with the kingdom’s age-long tradition of seeking divine blessings ahead of the annual new yam festival. The monarch believes that the practice will help seek blessings from God and the royal ancestors.
The statement reads inter alia, “This is in line with our age-long tradition that before the commencement of the yearly new yam, 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 tranquillity 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-week fasting period is from 6 am to 6 pm daily. The Omo N’Oba prays to God Almighty to grant us peace and happiness as we all embark on this fasting and prayer”, it added.
