THE CHANGING PATTERN OF BURIAS AND BURIAL RITES IN BENIN

Burial rites and rituals is one of the major religious rites in Benin, Nigeria and the world. It is said to have been practiced in Benin City in three phases. It appeared since the historical occupation of Iduland, during the eras of the Edionwere, Etẹbitẹ and Etẹghori and has continue all through the reigns of the Ogisos' – Igodo in Igodomigodo land from 40BC 16AD to Ogisi Owodo 1059 -1100AD. Title count thirty-one (31) Ogisos and Irebor Ogiemen. There have been thirty-six independent Obas and four dependent Obas inclusive of the reigning Oba Ewuare N'Ogidigan II as recorded by Obazenu.1 The Benin people are occupying the coastal region of the South-West. The obaship period begin with Oranmiyan 1170AD to his Royal Majesty, Oba Eware N’ Ogidigan II Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpọlọkpọlọ present reigning Oba. There have been different rites and rituals, traditional ceremonies and rituals and customs in Benin since the ancient settlement and civilization. The Binis have had, and still have and maintains the same process of first and final burial rites, and the method of inheritances early enough, there have been the designated burial place called in Benin Iteh and Ikpẹkpẹ. For burial for Edions and those Edionwere are buried at home or compound. The Binis remain strongly attached to their indigenous religions and traditional rites and practices.