The Omozeghian family of Uteh in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State are fighting the battle of their lives . By virtue of the community’s age-long tradition, members of the Omozeghian family are successively chosen as the Ohen Okhuae ( Chief Priest) of the community shrine.
It’s a responsibility which no member of the Omozeghian family can refuse to bear as to do so would amount to a rebellion against the entire community.
The Ohen Okhuae is the custodian of the Okhuae Deity which is the centre of traditional worship in the community . He is also regarded as the intermediary between the people and the gods( Okhuae Deity) which is worshipped at the end of every year during the Ukpoleki Festival. The Ukpoleki Festival is a time of spiritual purification, and no other person except the Ohen ( Chief Priests ) is permitted to enter the shrine at such occasion.
Pa Alfred Omozeghian before his demise, was the leading figure among the Ohen hierarchy. He was increasingly weak and unable to actively participate in the worship of the deity because of age and his deteriorating heaith. As is the practice, his family was told in September 2012 by the Council of Elders to formally announce the eldest son as his successor. That singular event marked the beginning of the tragedy that befell the Omozeghian family and their lingering dilemma . His eldest son and heir apparent, Ikponmwosa suddenly fell sick and died.
His death was a devastating blow to the family, especially Pa Omozeghian who suffered a minor stroke and died a few months later.
With the death of Pa Omozeghian and his eldest son ,Ute Community was in turmoil, the elders were confused and perplexed by the unfolding events in the community. It’s unimaginable that the community can’t perform the yearly spiritual rituals because of the absence of the Ohen Okhuae.
To solve the riddle and save the community from the impending crisis, late Ohen’s second son, Stanley ,was l told by the elders that he has to bear the mantle of the next Ohen Okhuae.
But Stanley Omozeghian who prides himself as a believer of the Gospel of Jesus Christ would have nothing to do with such fetish worship. He quickly declined. He was reminded of the consequences of his refusal to be enthroned as the next Ohen Okhuae.
He was persistently cajoled to present himself for the traditional initiation ceremony, but he was adamant. With time, the elders of Ute abandoned their persuation and resorted to threats and violence. Faced with the dilemma of jettisoning his Christian faith for traditional priesthood, Stanley Omozeghian was said to have gone into hiding with the hope that his absence would cause the elders to change their minds.
But rather than back down from their demand, the elders were enraged and allegedly launched series of attacks against other members of the Omozeghian family. Stanley’s mother and siblings were severely beaten on a number of occasions.
The NIGERIAN OBSERVER gathered that Stanley Omozeghian believing that his life was no longer safe, sought for safety and through the help of some Christian brethren, he relocated to Lagos to escape the threats by the youths and elders of Uteh Community.
But it was not long that he was traced to his hideout in Lagos . A plan was hatched to forcibly bring him back to the community. The plan was however botched as some youths sympathetic to him, aided his escape enroute Lagos to Uteh.
The elders were outraged by the action of their Ohen- designate. He was immediately declared persona- non- grata. His family home was subsequently set ablaze by irate youths of Uteh Community while the youths were mandated to bring him back to the community dead or alive.
Now almost six years after his escape, the community has remained without the Ohen Okhuae; a development many believed has impeded growth in Ute.
Ute Community has also since the escape of the Ohen- designate been bedeviled by crises and mysterious deaths. Curiously, these calamities have been attributed to the action of the Ohen designate who continues to be in hiding till date.
An elder of the community, Pa Imade Usinobun told journalists that the action of Stanley Omozeghian was an affront on the age-long tradition of the people of Uteh. He said by refusing to be enthroned as the next Ohen Okhuae, Stanley Omozeghian has provoked the gods.
“The young man has committed a terrible act against the people and the gods. He has placed his Christian faith above our tradition. For this, the gods are angry and we as elders of the community can’t forgive Stanley Omozeghian except he recounts his action”, he reiterated.
Another member of the community, Mr Donald Erhabor said that the Uteh community is deep in crises because the Ohen- designate has offended the gods ( deities).
” We have resolved as a people that his family be banished from the community while we seek vengeance against the Ohen- designate. He deserves to die for his actions”, he said in an angry tone.
For now, while the people of Ute are living under the perpetual fear of more impending doom in the community, the life of the Ohen- designate continues to hang precariously in danger.
