The Palace of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II has shed more light on the ban on the Okuku hair do which is exclusive to the Oloris, otherwise known as the wives of the Oba.
In a press briefing by the Benin Traditional Council on Thursday, 13 February which was addressed by the Osuma of Benin, Chief Norense Ozigbo-Esere and other Palace Chiefs reinterated that the Okuku traditional hairdo is strictly for the Queens of the Oba of Benin.
The Chiefs also restated that the Ada and Eben are prohibited for public use and are to be used only by authorised persons, adding that the Iwu dress with long bids known as Udeguogho is recommended for Benin male who wish to wear Benin dress.
“As a result of the appeals from sons and daughters at home and in the Diaspora for clarification on the use of traditional paraphernalia, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare Il, CFR, Oba of Benin, has directed that this Press Statement be issued to further enlighten the general public.
“The definition ,of the term Okuku is a traditional HAIRDO strictly for the Queens of the OBA OF BENIN, and is not allowed to be used by any other woman. Photograph of the OKUKU is hereby displayed for your enlightenment. Note: The different aspects you see on the Okuku is of religious and cultural significance ‘which cannot be explained to the un-initiated. They are not for mere decoration even though they have aesthetic value.
“ADA (SCEPTRE) and EBEN (SCIMITAR) are prohibited for public use and are to be used only by authorized person(s). They are not to be used: at funerals, marriages, birthday parties and other social events.
“EWU IWU DRESS with long bead (UDEGUOGHO) tis recommended for every Benin male who wishes to adorn Benin traditional outfit in the absence of using Agbada, Buba and Sokoto etc. Photograph of Ewu Iwu dress with long bead (Udeguogho) is hereby displayed for your enlightenment. The public should note 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.
The general public is advised to take note, please”, the statement stated.