BTC Warns Against Abuse Of Bini Traditional Attire For Social, Culture Ceremonies
By Simeon OSAJIE
The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) today warned sons and daughters at home and in the Diaspora against the abuse of the Bini traditional attires for social and cultural ceremonies.
Addressing newsmen in Benin on the rising incidents of misuse of the traditional Bini dressing and traditional paraphernalia, the palace chiefs led by Chief Norense Ozigbo-Esere, the Osuma of Benin cautioned Bini sons and daughters at home and in the Diaspora on the use of traditional paraphernalia.
Chief Ozigbo-Esere said the Oba of Benin, Ewuare Il, has directed that Okuku is a traditional hairdo strictly for the Queens of the monarch and is therefore not allowed to be used by any other woman.
He said the Okuku hairdo, which is a traditional hairdo strictly for the Queens of the monarch, is of religious and cultural significance, which can not be explained to the un-initiated.
“They are not for mere decoration even though they have aesthetic value,” he stressed.
The Osuma of Benin added that the Ada (Scepter)
and Eben (scimitar) are prohibited for public use and are to be used only by authorized person(s) noting that they are not to be used at funerals, marriages, birthday parties and other social events.
According to the Palace Chief, dressing with a long bead is recommended for every Benin male who wishes to adorn Benin traditional outfit in the absence of using Agbada, Buba, and Sokoto.
Chief Ozigbo-Esere enlightened the people on the cultural outfit of the Benin noting that the bottom part of the Ewu Iwu (referred to as Ebuluku) should not be Ododo form and should not be adorn with symbols of the Palm trees star, moon, sun, leopard, as these are of religious and cultural significance to the Oba of Benin.
Among the Palace Chiefs who addressed the issue on the Bini cultural and traditional paraphernalia include Chief Norense Ozigbo-Esere
Osuma of Benin, Chief George Igie Ekhator-Obasogie, Obasogie of Benin, Chief Edionwe Ohila, Oliha of Benin, Chief Stanley Obamwonyi, Esere of Benin, Chief Osarodion Idaho Obazelu of Benin, Chief Ada Ogbinovia
Eribo of Benin and Chief Okuhoghae Edomwandagbon, Ine of Benin Kingdom.
