Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has okayed the installation of Noghayin Imawagheru as the Odionwere (head) of Urumwon village in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, five years after the immediate past Odionwere, Johnson Agbontaen, joined his ancestors.
Prior to the approval by the Oba for the installation, Imawagheru, who had earlier been screened and considered as the most eligible senior elder in the village, was formerly known as Ozukpogieva (second-most-elderly) man.
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 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.
The Oba’s directive was conveyed through a statement endorsed by Marley Iyamu for secretary, Benin Traditional Council (BTC) in 2018, marked BTC. A40/VOL.LVV/447 and dated, May 2, 2023 stated that the Odionwere of Urumwon pays homage to Oba of Benin palace.
The statement warned 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 at the palace, 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.
The Odionwere of Urumwon, Noghayin Imawagheru, thanked the Oba for the privilege that has been accorded him and promised not to betray the confidence reposed in him by the traditional ruler.