The Palace of Oba of Benin has distanced itself from a planned dramatisation of the Igue Festival by the Association for Cultural and Economic Renaissance of Edo State.

This is contained in a statement on Saturday, by the Chief Press Secretary to the Oba of Benin, Osaigbovo Iguobaro.

The Igue Festival is an important cultural and religious event in the Benin Kingdom, and its performance is reserved for the Oba of Benin.

According to Mr Iguobaro the planned event, scheduled for Sunday at the Muson Centre, Lagos is being organised without the consent or consultation with the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II.

The statement indicated, “The palace expressed serious reservations about the proposed drama, noting that it would distort the age-long custom and traditional performance of the Igue Festival. The Benin Traditional Council has approached the court to restrain ACERE from staging the event. The court has granted an order restraining the association from using the Oba’s image or promoting the event without his consent. This order was obtained on Friday against the event that is taking place on Sunday, November 24, 2024.’’

Mr Iguobaro advised the public not to be misled by any group claiming to promote Benin culture without consulting the Palace of the Oba of Benin.

(NAN)