The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has asked all Edo indigenes and residents to join in a two-week fasting and prayer for peace, protection, and blessings in the land.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Obamedo of Benin, Efosa Igbinomwanhia, the palace announced that the exercise will run from September 15 to September 28, 2025.
“His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin, uses this medium to inform the general public that from 15 September, 2025 to 28th September, 2025, all sons and daughters of Benin Kingdom and, by extension, indigenes and non-indigenes living in Edo State, to embark on two weeks fasting and prayer,” the statement read.
The monarch explained that the practice follows an old tradition of prayer before the yearly new yam festival. According to him, it is a way of asking God and the royal ancestors for protection against sudden death, for a good harvest, and for peace in families, the state, and the country.
“All Benin sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora are to fast and pray during this period,” the palace added, noting that the fasting will take place daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Oba also offered prayers to God Almighty for peace and happiness for all who take part in the exercise.
