Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has approved the installation of Mr Noghayin Imawagheru as the Odionwere (head) of Urumwon village in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, five years after the immediate past Odionwere, Pa Johnson Agbontaen, joined his ancestors.
Oba Ewuare II granted the approval for Mr. Imawagheru who was formerly known as Ozukpogieva (second-most-elderly), after he was screened and considered as the most eligible senior elder in the village, a statement by Osaigbovo Iguobaro Chief Press Secretary to the Oba says.
The approval followed a subsisting decision of the Oba who resolved that the Enogie of Irhue N’ Owina village in Ovia North East Local government Area of the State, has no authority whatsoever to oversee Urumwon village, which he said is not part of Irhue N’ Owina Dukedom, and accordingly urged concerned authorities to take note.
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Oba Ewuare II directive was conveyed through a statement endorsed by Mr Marley O. Iyamu for Secretary, Benin Traditional Council (BTC) in 2018, marked BTC. A40/VOL.LVV/447 and dated 2nd May 2023.
The statement stated that the Odionwere of Urumwon pays homage to Oba of Benin Palace, warning the Enogie of Irhue N’ Owina to desist forthwith from claiming Urumwon as part of Irhue N’ Owina Dukedom.
After the approval for his installation, which sparked a wave of euphoria, elders of Urumwon village with the youths, took turn to pay tribute to the great Benin throne, sang and dance with their families and well-wishers.
Speaking in an interview, the Odionwere of Urumwon, Mr Imawagheru, thanked the Oba for the privilege accorded to him, promising not to depose the confidence reposed in him by the traditional ruler.
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He said, “I do not want fight or disturbances in our village. I won’t intimidate or harass anyone with security agents. If anyone breaches Oba Palace rules or commits abomination, or any act that is untoward, we will follow due process and ensure that the right thing is done”.
On their part, Mr Friday Omoregbe (the Ozukpogieva (second-most-elderly) man, Mr Michael Egbenehikhuere, and the Okaighele (Youth Leader) of Urumwon village, Mr Eseosa Iguebor who were both present when the approval was given, appreciated the honour and acceptance by Oba Ewuare II.
The elders who were joined by other elders from the village, promised to liaise with Oba Palace regularly and assist the Odionwere in developing the village as well as Edo State.
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