The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has urged Edo indigenes and residents to embark on a two-week fasting and prayer to ward off evil from the land.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Obamedo of Benin, Efosa Igbinomwanhia, the monarch announced that the fasting would run from 15 to 28 September 2025.
He called on all Benin sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora, as well as other residents of Edo State, to participate in the exercise.
“His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin, informs the public that from 15 September to 28 September, all sons and daughters of Benin Kingdom, and by extension indigenes and non-indigenes living in Edo State, should embark on two weeks of fasting and prayer,” the statement read.
The palace explained that the practice follows an age-long tradition, observed before the yearly new yam festival, to seek God’s blessings and ancestral protection for a bountiful harvest, peace, and deliverance from sudden death.
Participants are expected to fast daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout the period.
The monarch prayed that God Almighty would grant peace, happiness, and prosperity to all who observe the fasting and prayer.