A captivating cultural moment from Urhonigbe, a historic community in Edo State, has resurfaced online, highlighting one of the most spiritually respected traditions in Esan and Bini heritage. Shared originally by @bgteddy, the scene showcases the revered ritual known as Ulubi — a procession where the women of Urhonigbe move through the village carrying burning wood, invoking ancestral power and communal protection.

According to tradition, every word spoken by the women during Ulubi carries spiritual significance, believed to invoke blessings, cleanse negativity, and affirm the unity of the community.

**What Is Ulubi?

A Ritual of Fire, Words, and Ancestral Authority**

Ulubi is one of the most symbolic women-led rituals in Urhonigbe. Unlike many ceremonies dominated by male community leaders, Ulubi places spiritual authority squarely in the hands of the women.

During the procession:

• The women hold burning wood, representing purity, illumination, and ancestral presence.

• They move through streets at specific times of the year or during significant community events.

• Their chants, declarations, and spoken words are considered commanding and powerful, carrying the weight of tradition and invoking generational protection.

Elders say the fire symbolizes the light of the ancestors, while the spoken words act as a bridge between the spiritual and physical realms.

The Cultural Power of Women in Urhonigbe

Ulubi underscores an important aspect of Edo culture:
women are not only custodians of the home — they are guardians of community stability, spirituality, and social moral order.

In most villages in Edo State, women take the lead in rituals involving:

• Cleansing of the land

• Protection against evil forces

• Blessing new seasons

• Welcoming prosperity and fertility

Ulubi is one of the clearest demonstrations of this authority.

Why the Words Spoken During Ulubi Matter

In Urhonigbe belief, words carry energy. Spoken during Ulubi, these words are seen as:

• Prophetic

• Protective

• Binding

• Capable of invoking ancestral intervention

For this reason, villagers hold great respect for the procession. Even those living outside the community speak about Ulubi with reverence, understanding its role in preserving identity and spiritual balance.

A Cultural Practice Still Honored Today

Despite modernization, many Urhonigbe families and cultural custodians continue to preserve Ulubi, ensuring that younger generations understand the sacred responsibility carried by the women of the community.

Videos and images shared online now help Edo youth appreciate practices that once remained hidden from everyday public view.

Celebrating Edo Heritage

Ulubi stands as another beautiful reminder of Edo State’s deep cultural roots — a heritage where rituals, symbolism, and ancestral respect continue to shape identity and community life.

EdoCelebrities.com will continue highlighting powerful traditions like this, showing the world the depth and richness of Edo culture.