After 5 Years Of Waiting, Pa Oviarobo Finally Installed As Odionwere Of Orovie Community

By Simeon OSAJIE

Saturday, 6^th of July, 2024 would remain unforgettable in the memory of the people of Orovie Community in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of 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).

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.

After his installation, Odionwere Oviarobo offered prayers to God Almighty through the ancestors 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 tenure.

Addressing his people and newsmen, 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 Almighty for the gift of life and good health to be installed as the Odionwere, Oviarobo said, he was highly excited as he also thanked His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin Kingdom for his benevolence.

In retrospect, Odionwere Oviarobo said the journey was very rough but in all, he was grateful to God, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II and his people of Orovie Community who stood by him all through.

He called on all sons and daughters of Orovie Community particularly those in the Diaspora to come home, join hands with him, and the elders’ council, with support of the youths and move the community 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 asphalt the only road which links the community and many others to Ekenhuan and Siluko roads respectively.

He pointed out that its many benefits which include; economic, cannot be over emphasized.

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 sons and daughters of Orovie Community to forge unity and allow the past be; while expressing gratitude to His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin Kingdom 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.

The 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!