Dear Ehi:
Thanks for the question.
I posted that quotation from Egharevba's book as
a follow up to a piece I posted a few days ago regarding the fact that there
were two (2) female Ogisos during the first period but no female Oba during
the second and third periods (so far). It would seem that Egharevba has answered
your first question. The enactment was made in the late 15th century at a time
of rapid transition.
After Ewuare the Great broke chalk, his eldest
son Ezoti succeeded him. If you recall Olua (Edeleyo's younger brother) succeeded
Ezoti (circa 1473) who himself moved on to the great beyond within 14 days -
shot by an aggrieved palace boy during coronation.
According to Egharevba, when Ezoti began his journey
to the spirit world, his brother Okpame went to Esi to bring Ezoti's only son
(Owere) back to take the throne. Sadly, Owere and his mum were assassinated on
the way back (buried alive) by Okpame - but news of his action leaked leading
to his banishment (exile) to Ora.
Fear of Okpame made Olua (Ewuare's second son)
initially refuse the throne. Thus, Edeleyo (Olua's older sister) was invited
to become Oba. She was actually installed as Edaiken but fell ill to an unspecified
incurable female complaint on her way to Uselu. The spot where she took ill
is called Ogbe Edeleyo and bears a shrine to this day. Every Edaiken since then
has been decreed to offer a sacrifice at this spot on his way to Uselu.
Back to Edeleyo. Seeing as her problem was incurable
and of a peculiarly female nature (do not ask me what) the Uzama and Eghaevbo
enacted that no woman should be allowed to reign in the future. They subsequently
prevailed upon Olua to take the throne - which he did. (NB: Olua was Prince
Iginua's father. Iginua is the founder of Itsekiri. The title "Olu" of Itsekiri
comes from the word "Olua".)
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