The Ikpoba Waterside community in Benin City has installed the eldest man and youth leader to oversee the affairs of the community.
Pa Hon. Otasowie Omigie, the newly installed Odionwere (oldest man) and the Okaeghele, Mr Odion Odigie were installed according to the Benin tradition, which permits community leadership.
Addressing newsmen, Pa Hon. OPRI Omigie, as he fondly called, said, “We thank God Almighty and our ancestors for making this a reality after a long tussle. The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has displayed the wisdom of our ancestors by letting me become the Odionwere of our community. I am very very happy.
“I pray for wisdom to steer the affairs of our community and I also call for the cooperation of our people so that our community can develop in peace”.
On his part, Mr Odion Odigie, who is a frontline security volunteer, said, “We are not taking this opportunity for granted. My emergence as the Okaeghele is a divine orchestration.
“Despite the fact that I am a politician, it will not affect my discharge of duties. I am now the Okaeghele of APC, PDP, LP, and other political parties in this community and we shall do it in peace.
“Having the Odionwere, Pa Hon. OPRI Omigie to work with, is placing the square peg in a square hole. He is a man of honour. I am happy to be working with him”, he said.
Describing Pa Hon. OPRI Omigie, Hon Fred Okah said, “When I heard he has been made the Odionwere and the ceremony will be today, I said I must be here to celebrate with him and his people.
“I know the type of respect and integrity he commanded when I was the councillor of Ward 6 in Oredo Local Government. So, his community is lucky to have such an honest man”.
Highlights of the ceremony were traditional procession, cultural dances by the Benin and Igbo traditional dancers.
