Benin celebrated on Tuesday 10 January 2023, the identity party of "vodun". A national meeting allowing followers of endogenous religions to be in turmoil. Only for this edition of 2023, the ghosts called “Egun-gun” were prohibited from going out into the streets.
According to information provided by the site legrandoueme.com, the Association of Dignitaries of Cults “Egungun” and “Oro” (ADCEO), recalled the circumstances and occasions during which the exit of the “Egungun” is possible. According to the same media, localities like Allada, Abomey-Calavi, Kpopassè, Ouidah, Toffo, Torri-Bossito and Zè did not experience an exit from the Egungun despite the celebration of 10 January. According to the site, which was based on the decision after ADCEO, the Vodoun festival is not part of the Egungun outing occasions. Indeed, the correspondence signed by Secretary General Bernad Atihounnon clarified that the “Egungun” or “Oro” only come out in the following circumstances : on the death of a person of Yoruba origin (upon request of the family) ; at the propitiatory ceremonies “Odundun Iranti Ookun” commonly called “Ebo Edun” to honor the deceased of each family. This, when a member of the cult wishes to celebrate the birth or release of a newborn ("Bones", uniquely). Likewise, the article 20 of the internal regulations of ADCEO indicates that “any exit of Egungun” from ADCEO inside or outside their territory or any demonstration of a general or national nature must require the authorization of the Directorate, after possible favorable written opinion from the ADCEO section or subsection of the territory to be visited”, specified the press release relayed by the media L’Investigateur.
Patrice ADJAHO