The indoor ritual will take place at the Oba’s Palace in Benin City.
The upcoming celebration follows a two-week period of fasting and prayer declared by the monarch, which lasted from September 15th to September 28th, 2025. The spiritual observance was aimed at invoking peace, progress, and blessings in anticipation of the Emorọ festival.
According to a statement issued by the Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, Oba Ewuare II dedicated the period to interceding for the people of Edo State, the nation at large, and well-wishers both at home and abroad.
The statement reads in part:“The indoor ceremony of ushering new yam (Emorho) into the Palace, would be performed on Tuesday, 30th September, 2025.”
It continued, “Thereafter, all sons and daughters of Benin Kingdom and, by extension indigenes and non-indigenes living in Edo State who participated in the two weeks fasting and prayer are to commence the eating of the new yam.”
Expressing his appreciation, the revered monarch thanked Edo indigenes, residents, and members of the diaspora who participated in the solemn spiritual exercise. He encouraged them to begin consuming the Emorọ harvest while seeking divine intervention for their personal and communal aspirations.
“The Omo N’Oba prays to God Almighty to grant us peace and happiness in our individual homes,” the statement added.
The Emorọ festival remains one of the deeply rooted cultural traditions in Benin Kingdom, symbolizing thanksgiving, renewal, and unity among the people.
