Edo state declares five-day public holiday to mourn Oba

Late Oba of Benin

As a mark of honour and respect for the Oba of Benin who recently passed away, the Edo State Government has declared a five-day public holiday with effect from Tuesday, May 3, 2016 to mourn the passing of the monarch.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Kassim Afegbua, 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 five-day mourning period while work is expected to resume on Monday, 9th May, 2016.

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