17/03/2022
TOMPOLO, IGBADIWEI, OTHERS, PERFORMS RITUAL OF BLESSINGS AT BINI-EBI FESTIVAL
© Egbesu brotherhood, Apostle Bodmas Prince Kemepadei
BINI-EBI in the Ijaw religious belief is the animism concept of the Creator Supreme as feminine Mother Goddess of Creation, incarnated as nature force of waters. This faith is conceptualized under the "Izon BENI (BINI) KAMAI CEREMONIES".
Animism is a concept propounded by Sir Edward Burnett Tylor, it is the beliefs that all material phenomena have agency, that there exists no categorical distinction between the spiritual and physical (or material) world and that soul or spirit or sentience exists not only in humans but also in other animals, plants, rocks, geographic features such as mountains or rivers or other entities of the natural environment: water sprites, vegetation deities, tree spirits, etc (Wikipedia).
Beni Kamai or Bini Kamai is an integral ritual in the Izon spiritual culture. It envelops vocal expressions, sacraments, chants, rites and libations into the natural water bodies, which inturn invokes the forces of nature embodied in these waters (animism), using them as spiritual transportation vehicles to convey prayers, requests, to the Godhead. This Physical water is regarded as the symbol of the spiritual realm or the spiritual waters.
The understanding in Izon belief is that water contains vital energy formed into patterns that retains memory of the spoken word (logos) and the thoughts behind them. Through these waters the spoken word or prayers can be transmitted to distant places (beyond). The substance of water, subatomic, atomic and molecular structures can be commanded by the spoken word and transmitted to near and distant places via the interconnectivity of water.
According to science, our bodies are roughly 60 to 70 percent water, and our vital functions, including our brain functions are immersed in water. Physical Water in this faith is thus, the bridge between the physical and spiritual realms.
The "Bini-Ebi" rites remains an integral aspect in Izon religion performed to maintain mutual relationship between man and the divine (Ancestor's, Deity).
This "Bini-Ebi" rites is presided over by a priest, High Chief Oweizidei Ekpemupolo, who performs all religious ceremonies including animal and food offerings, he also serves as a mediator, a channel by which adherent's can channel their troubles, prayers, requests, to the Supreme Deity, incarnated as animistic concept, "BINI-EBI".
High Priest Oweizidei Ekpemupolo therefore offers these prayers to the Supreme Mother Goddess, facilitating the needs of the people, for the divine to come to the aid of her Children, human beings who live according to spiritual laws.
Through partaking of the ceremonies, participants are blessed both materially and spiritually according to their own sincerity. The Bini-Ebi Bini Kamai ceremonies are one of several traditional Izon spiritual ceremonies that seek the blessings, guidance and protection of the Deities, Divinities and help us to move closer and be in harmony with the Creator Supreme of the Universe.
This event holds yearly around March to April at Ogulagha Kingdom, Burutu LGA, Delta state, lasting for a period of three days.
This year's event had in attendance high personalities and priests from various parts of Ijaw land, the member representing Southern-Ijaw constituency four in the Bayelsa state assembly, High Chief Barr. Macdonald Igbadiwei was a major guest and keynote speaker.
The event witnessed cultural dances, masquerade display, water rituals, animal and food offerings.
Amongst the dignitaries were; Famous Niger delta youths leader, Godfrey Tare Pondi , Delta business tycoon, Chief biniebimiekumor Ekonmieyefa, Chief Dennis Otuaro, Chief Benjamin Ekeremor , Hon. Ellington Bakumor, etc.
Some of the Ijaw priests present are as follows;
Chief priest Prince Omoh, Amaseikumor Deity, Oporoza.
Chief Priest Guwor Dimati, Osuopele Priest, Ogulagha.
Chief Priest Felix edekou, ekpengiridi giridi, ogidimelu.
Chief Priest kenneth odiki, oruyekpa deity, Oporoza.
Chief Priest Roland Ekpemupolo, Benizouwei deity.
And many others too numerous to mention.
Ijaw born literary singer, FC was also a guest.
Photo credit: Gbaranmatu voice
