The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has called on all residents of Edo State to observe a two-week period of fasting and prayer to “ward off evil from the land.”
In a statement released on Monday, the revered traditional ruler said the fasting would commence from September 15 to September 28.
The statement, issued by the Obamedo of Benin, Efosa Igbinomwanhia, urged “all sons and daughters of Benin Kingdom and, by extension indigenes and non-indigenes living in Edo State,” to take part.
The Oba explained that the act is “in line with our age-long tradition” that precedes the yearly new yam festival. He said it was important to 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.”
All Benin sons and daughters “at home and in the diaspora are to fast and pray during this period,” the statement confirmed.
The directive specifies that the “two-week fasting period is from 6 am to 6 pm daily.” The statement concluded with the “Omo N’Oba pray[ing] to God Almighty to grant us peace and happiness as we all embark on this fasting and prayer.”
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