Igue festival (the King's Festival) is a festival celebration of the Benin Kingdom of Edo State, Nigeria. Some say that the festival date coincides with the marriage of Ewuare to a wife named Ewere. It is Celebrated between Christmas (December 25th) and New Year (January 1st).

HISTORY
The Igue Festival commenced in the 14th century in the time of Oba Ewuare 1, who lead Benin between the years 1440 and 1473. Following Oba Ewuare 1st's experience whilst fighting as a prince for the Benin throne, he was known as the Prince Ogun, the son of Oba Ohen as at then.

The modern Igue festival however now consists of several events put together by the current King of Benin Kingdom, Oba Akenzua II. This is because he wanted the festival to last over days and unit the people. The modern Igue festival has become a mashup of manyof the festivals celebrated by the Benin people.

The festival features the Oba's blessing of the lands and people of Benin. During the Igue ritual season, the Oba is prohibited from being in the presence of any alien person.

Tags: igue festival, king's festival, benin kingdom, edo state, nigeria, ewuare, wife, ewere. oba akenzua ii. benin people