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ABSTRACT
From the preceding chapters, it is seen that the Benin kingdom in the period before the European incursion evolved a unique and impressive civilization, which centered on a potentate, the Oba, and formed the pivot of administration, integration and social control, the giver and interpreter of laws. The leadership this potentate provided was effective and indispensable to the smooth civilization thrived by the Benin people. Since social discourse was not alien to the people of Benin during this period, there existed a number of grandiose and flamboyant festivals among which the great Igue festival stood out. The Igue festival is a spiritual and indigenous event celebrated yearly in Benin from time immemorial to thank Osanobua for a fruitful year and to reinforce the preeminent position occupied by the great Oba. Indeed, due to the powers of the Oba, a number of ceremonies were designed to reinforce the aura surrounding the Oba. These were the only occasions on which he is seen by the people especially the common people. Igue festival could therefore be said to be one of the most important and the most widely celebrated amongst the numerous festivals in the kingdom and thus formed the heart and soul of Edo Nationalism.
