News

30 Years After, History Made As Esama’s Son, Mike Igbinedion, Is Initiated Into Elders’ Council

Published

12 months ago

June 4, 2025

History was made recently in Okada, the administrative headquarters of Ovia North East Local Government Council of Edo State as a prominent native of the community and son of the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Barrister Mike Igbinedion, alongside others, was initiated into the Elders’ Council otherwise known as Edion in Council of the community. It’s indeed history as it’s the first initiation for the past 30 years.

The age grade, as gathered, is a traditional social system where individuals born with a specific age range are grouped together. In Benin society, age grades
are significant social-cultural institutions that organised people within a similar age bracket, often with a range of a few years apart.

It is a viral aspect of the Okada community’s cultural heritage, which emphasises the importance of age, responsibility, and community service.

Amongst the initiates, perhaps, Mike Igbinedion’s love for the Benin culture and his exhibition of the ancient Benin culture stands him out. Anywhere Mike Igbinedion finds himself both home and abroad, he is known for displaying the Benin culture.

Barrister Mike Igbinedion

Speaking at the initiation ceremony, the Edionwere (Eldest Man) in Okada, Pa Samson Idehen who was joined by other elders, disclosed that the Elders Council Other known as Edion, is a privileged typically reserved for respected individuals, who have served the community, demonstrated wisdom, integrity and leadership.

Pa Idehen noted that Elders Council plays a vital role in preserving culture and passing passing down traditions, customs and historical knowledge to the younger generations.

“Historically, by joining the Elders Council, Michael Osarenren Igbinedion has attained a respectable age and has made significant contributions to the development of Okada community through leadership, service, or other meaningful ways.

Chief Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom (L) and his son, Barr. Mike Igbinedion

“Those initiated according to tradition and customs, dressed in white attire, were made to undergo some rituals, while the Edionwere pronounced blessings on them and assist them to take a sit with the elders”, he further explained.

Pa Idehen disclosed that there are three different categories of the age grade traditional initiations namely; Ighkhae – junior youth with 18 and 39 years, Ighele – youths within tha age bracket of 30 and 55 years, and Edion – which belongs to the Elders council from where Odionwere will emerge according to seniority.

Shortly after the initiation ceremony, there was jubilation in Okada as sons and daughters of the community both at home and in the diaspora danced around associating themselves to the age grade ceremony.

Besides, the elders known as Edion in company with their loved ones danced to their various homes where guest and family members were entertained, while some of the newly initiated native of Okada community into the Elders council according to customs and tradition moved to the residence of Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin.

They commended Chief Gabriel for being a custodian of the Benin cultural heritage and for revitalising the age long traditional age grade ceremony.

Responding on behalf of other initiated, Mr. Mike Osarenren Igbinedion thanked the elders of the community for considering him worthy of initiation into the Elders Council.

He said this marks a milestone in the journey of his life, adding that, such position has placed on him a huge responsibility of promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom.

He, therefore, promised to join hands with the elders of the community to preserve the aged long tradition and custom of the people.

News

Migration Agency Warns Migrants Against Irregular Travel Routes

Published

3 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with Giving is Healing Foundation, has sensitised residents of Ayobo in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State on the dangers of irregular migration and the need to embrace legal travel procedures.

Speaking during a sensitisation programme held at Megida Ifelodu Community Development Association in Ayobo, the founder of Giving is Healing Foundation, Mr. Gbolahan Ayediran, warned intending migrants against using illegal travel routes.

Ayediran said many Nigerians desire to migrate abroad in search of better opportunities but often ignore proper procedures, thereby exposing themselves to several dangers.

“Lots of people want to migrate and most of them do it in the wrong direction. The reason for the programme is for us to advise people on how they can migrate in the right way. As much as migration is their right, they should do it correctly,” he said.

He advised intending travellers to obtain the necessary travel documents before embarking on any journey, noting that such documents include international passports, visas, flight tickets and yellow cards, depending on the destination country.

According to him, migrants should also gather adequate information about their destination countries to enable them make informed decisions before travelling.

Ayediran further highlighted some of the dangers associated with irregular migration, including abuse, exploitation, discrimination and forced labour.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Megida Ifelodu Community Development Association, Elder Mathews Amusan, commended the organisers for enlightening members of the community on safe migration practices.

He urged residents planning to travel abroad to always follow legal migration procedures to avoid falling victim to human trafficking and other migration-related challenges.

One of the participants, Mr. Kolawole Adenoko, said the programme enlightened him on the dangers of irregular migration and the importance of travelling through the proper channels.

He added that he would also educate his relatives and friends on the risks associated with illegal migration.

News

Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

Published

5 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.

Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.

He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.

Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.

“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”

He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.

He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.

Watch the video here

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

21 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
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‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
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‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
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It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
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‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
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