Edo Declares 5-day Public Holiday In Honour Of Oba

BEVERLY HILLS, May 03, (THEWILL) – The Edo State government has declared a 5-day public holiday as a mark of honour and respect for the Oba of Benin who recently transited to immortality.

This was announced in a Government Special Announcement signed by the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Kassim Afegbua.

Afegbua said the holiday which begins from Tuesday May 3, 2016 will afford the people of the kingdom and the entire people of the state the opportunity to mourn the Royal Father.

According to the statement, only those on essential services in hospitals, health centres, the Fire Service and others are exempted from observing the public holiday.

“The Nigerian National Flag is expected to be flown at half-mast across the state during the 5-day mourning period while work is expected to resume on Monday, 9th May, 2016,” the statement read.

“All government offices, establishments and parastatals are expected to fully comply with the directive.”

Story by David Oputah