Oba of Benin Declares Two-Week Fasting and Prayer for Edo State, Calls for Unity Against Evil
Benin City, Nigeria – September 8, 2025
The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II, has called on all Edo indigenes and residents—both at home and in the diaspora—to embark on a two-week fasting and prayer to cleanse the land and ward off evil.
This was disclosed in a statement released on Monday by the Obamedo of Benin, Chief Efosa Igbinomwanhia, who conveyed the monarch’s directive. According to the statement, the spiritual exercise is scheduled to begin on September 15 and will run through September 28, 2025.
“His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has graciously called on all Benin sons and daughters, as well as all residents of Edo State, to observe a period of fasting and prayer for the peace, unity, and protection of the land,” the statement read.
The revered monarch emphasized the need for collective spiritual intervention in the face of rising social vices, insecurity, and moral decay. He urged every Edo person—regardless of religious affiliation—to participate in the exercise and seek divine favor and protection for the state and its people.
This is not the first time the Oba has called for spiritual action. In past years, the Benin Palace has taken similar steps during periods of tension or uncertainty, often rallying the people around prayers and cultural values as a means of restoration and unity.
Residents have begun reacting to the call on social media and in community forums, with many expressing support and promising to participate.
The Oba’s call comes amid ongoing national challenges, as many traditional and religious leaders across Nigeria seek spiritual solutions to the country’s mounting social and economic difficulties.
More updates to follow as the fasting and prayer period approaches.
