On Sunday at least.
The tradition Council of Benin has made cooking with fire on Sunday a taboo. This is due to the commencement of Omo N’Oba Erediauwa, the late Oba of Benin’s funeral rites which will last for 15 days.
This order was made in a statement by secretary of the Council Frank Irabor, who said that Sunday will represent “Edenagberen-Mwiwu” and therefore cooking with fire will be prohibited in accordance with custom and tradition.
The statement called on all who reside in the state to observe the “Igberimwin rite”.
The burial activities kicked off from Edaiken of Uselu palace, the crown prince of Benin Kingdom, Eheneden Erediauwa, on May 25 and in respect of this, all burials that day are to be cancelled and residents are to stay away from the places where the ritual is to take place.
Men have also been encouraged to shave their heads in respect of this.