Photos:Moment the Benin traditional council broke the native chalk(Ohrue)to announce the death of the Oba of Benin.

Pictured is the moment the Benin Traditional Council broke the native chalk at the entrance of the palace to announce the translation of the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba n’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa, to his ancestors. The announcement was made Friday by the Prime Minister and Iyase of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe, in company of other traditional Chiefs and Enigie (Dukes).

Following the breaking of the native chalk at the main entrance of the palace, all the chiefs and Enogies broke down in tears and wail for the translated Monarch.

In accordance with the Benin traditional mourning rites for a translated Monarch, every male in the kingdom is expected to shave his head throughout the mourning period that may last for up to three months, while all markets in the kingdom are to remain closed for about seven days.


The Benin Crown Prince and Edaiken of Benin, Eheneden Erediauwa, who arrived at the palace at about 1:10n from his Uselu resistance, was formally informed of the translation of his father, before it was publicly announced.

The late Monarch was crowned Oba of Benin in March, 1979.