Boxing Day: Oba of Benin hosts age-long Igue traditional wrestling competition
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The Benin palace was agogo with fanfare on the Boxing Day, as the Monarch, Oba Ewuare Il, hosted the age-long Igue traditional wrestling competition.
The sandbeach wrestling competition was last fought during the reign of former Oba Erediauwa, but was re-introduced by Oba Ewuare II, after eight years on the throne.
Members of the royal family and other enthusiasts cheered a through the competition, giving a fanfare to the Boxing Day celebration.
At the directive of Oba Ewuare II, prizes were awarded to winners of various categories in the 2024 edition of the competition.
Bright lrobeghian (Ikpoba-Okha LGA) and Ovbokhan Idele (Oredo LGA), set new records as overall winners in both senior and junior categories in the competition.
Mathias Iguma and Friday Eribo, came second and third respectively in the senior category, while Famous llekhuoba (from Orhionmwon LGA) and Sunday Amuji (from Egor LGA), second and third positions in junior category.
The awards of cash and trophies were presented to the winners of the various categories by the Benin Princes and Princesses.
Royal scepter bearers (Emuada), in the palace who also tested their strength by wrestling with one another, were also received cash prizes during the competition.
Members of the Benin Royal family, including the Queens of Oba Ewuare, were among the spectators at the celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Edo people.
The Edobayokhae of Benin Kingdom, Chief Osemwegie Ero, who shed insight on the show of strength, said the traditional form of wrestling holds deep cultural and social significance.
He disclosed that the traditional wrestling began centuries ago in ancient City of Benin.
“Wrestlers are trained and the game is enjoyed by everyone. It is a physical exercise. It has also been with Benin people since ancient times when villagers usually come to Benin City, especially during Igue festival to watch wrestling competitions. It’s a fine competition for every individual and communities,” he said.
Ero expressed delight that Ọba Ewuare II has re-introduced the traditional wrestling competition during Igue festival, describing it as an instrument of physical fitness.
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