Revealed! The Reason The New Oba Of Benin Was Covering His Mouth

Yesterday, Oba Ewuare ll N'Ogidigan ascended the revered throne of his ancestors to become the 39th Oba of Benin, succeeding his late father, Omo n'Oba n'Edo Uku Akpolopkolo, Oba Erediauwa and one of the photos that made rounds got us all puzzled.
A lot of people came up with possible reasons the oba and his queens were covering their noses. Some of those reasons were just downright ridiculous. Well the mystery has now been solved.
The Oba usually covers his mouth because when he talks he is the supreme authority. Whatever he says is final.
People talk on his behalf most of the time and whatever they proclaim becomes the Law with immediate effect.
A painter recounted when he did a painting of the old Oba and it was rejected because it depicted him smiling. According to tradition, people are not supposed to see the Oba's teeth so he doesn't smile.
His wives covered their mouths as a sign of submission.
Don't you just love our culture? So rich and varied!