By Henrietta Ekotomena Abavo, Benin
Pa. Emmanuel Osamwonuyi Oviarobo being taken through the rituals of installation as the Odionwere of Orovie Village on 6 July, 2024 (photo Credit: Kingsley Abavohilltopnationaleng.blogspot.com)
Saturday, 6 July, 2024 would remain indelible in the memory of the people of Orovie Village, Ovia North-East Local Government Council Area, Edo State as a new page was opened in the history books; with the installation of Pa. Emmanuel Osamwonuyi Oviarobo as the Odionwere (Eldest man and Village Head).
Members of the Elders' Council of Orovie Village and Odionwere Emmanuel Osamwonuyi Oviarobo Venue of the installation: 'Oguedion' (Ancestors' Sanctuary) were gathered, the people led by members of the elders' Council; who took the Odionwere through all stages of rituals involved as demanded by the custom and tradition of the Benin Kingdom.
Odionwere Emmanuel Osamwonuyi Oviarobo offering prayers to God Almighty and the Ancestors of Orovie after his installation on 6 July, 2024After his installation, Odionwere Oviarobo offered prayers to God Almighty, and ancestors of the land for the protection, good health and blessings of the people of Orovie.
He also asked for peace, understanding amongst the natives and the divine wisdom to help effectively pilot affairs of his people; during his reign.
Addressing his people and journalists, Odionwere Oviarobo appealed for unwavering support, cooperation and unity to be able to achieve the much desired growth and development in the locality; saying in unity we stand, divided we fall and no progress can be achieved in the midst of disagreement, crisis and violence.
Expressing gratitude to God for the gift of life and good health to have been installed as the Odionwere, he said, he was highly excited as he also thanked the Benin Monarch HRM Oba Ewuare II for his benevolence.
In retrospect, Odionwere Oviarobo said the journey to the installation was very rough but in all, he was grateful to God, HRM Oba Ewuare II and his people of Orovie who stood by him all through.
He called on all natives of Orovie particularly those in the diaspora to come home, join hands with him, and the elders' Council, with support of the youths and move the Village to higher grounds of growth and development.
Odionwere Oviarobo also passionately pleaded for the attention of the State Government and the Local Government Council; particularly to help tar the only road which links the Village and many others to Ekewan and Siluko roads respectively.
He pointed out that its many benefits which include; economic, cannot be over emphasised.
Promising to provide a leadership that can be trusted, Odionwere Oviarobo assured of an all inclusive administration in which everyone would be positively impacted.
Also, the Odionwere's son, Akugbe Oviarobo Osamwonuyi said he was excited that his father after a long walk, has finally been installed.
He appealed to all natives of Orovie to forge unity and allow the past be; while expressing gratitude to HRM Oba Ewuare II for the support to making the installation happen eventually.
Various persons who expressed their feelings for the installation said; though it took some five years of waiting for the day to come, it however represents peace, unity and understanding amongst the natives.
Odionwere Emmanuel Osamwonuyi in white being led home amidst wild jubilation after his installation on 6 July, 2024The installation event attracted many natives of Orovie both at home and in the diaspora, particularly immediate family members of the new Odionwere including their friends, to celebrate the day!
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