Mike Osarenren Igbinedion’s Historic Initiation Into Elders Council Of Okada Community

By Simeon OSAJIE

It was jubilation galore in Okada, the administrative headquarters of Ovia North-East local government area in Edo South Senatorial District of Edo State as sons and daughters of the community both at home and in the diaspora converged in the community to be part of the historic event that witnessed Michael Osarenren Igbinedion and other seven siblings and some indigenes of the community initiated into the Elders’ Council.

The event which took place on 23rd of April, 2025, also witnessed different categories of the initiation includes “Ighokhae” – Junior youth aged within 18 and 30 years old bracket and “Ighele” – Youths within the age bracket of 30 and 55 years.

Among notable personalities initiated into the Elders’ Council includes Michael Igbinedion, son of the Esama of Benin Kingdom and patriarch of the House of Igbinedion, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion.

Michael Igbinedion, who expressed deep appreciation following his initiation into the Elders’ Council, joy knew no bound.

He thanked the elders of the community for considering him worthy of initiation into the Elders Council.

He said this marks a milestone in the journey of his life, adding that, such position has placed on him a huge responsibility of promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom.

He promised to join hands with the elders of the community to preserve the aged long tradition and custom of the people.

Igbinedion, who is an ‘Edion’ meaning ‘Elder’ in the Bini tradition, belongs to the Elders’ Council from where the Odionwere will emerge according to seniority.

A resident of the town, Elder Ogbeide Uwumwonse, who is among the newly initiated into the Elders Council, said the initiation of Michael Igbinedion makes him eligible to become Odionwere in the future.

He said about 54 of them were initiated into the age groups and disclosed that the Odionwere and the Senior Elders have to combine them since it is about 30 years that the ceremony last took place.

“Those initiated according to tradition and customs, dressed in white traditional attire, were made to undergo some rituals, while the Odionwere pronounced blessings on then and assisted them to take a seat with the elders.”

The Odionwere of Okada, Pa. Samson Idehen and some elders said joining the elders Council otherwise known as ‘Edion’, is a privilege typically reserved for respected individuals, who have served the community, and demonstrated wisdom, integrity and leadership.

They noted that the Elders’ Council plays a vital role in preserving culture and passing down traditions, customs, and historical knowledge to the younger generations.

A notable Bini son, Engr. Elvis Obaseki, who celebrated Michael Igbinedion on the occasion of his initiation into  the Elders’ Council ‘Edion’ said that historically,  joining the elders Council, Michael Igbinedion has attained a respectable age and has made significant contributions to the development of Okada Community through his leadership and service to his ancestral home in very meaningful ways.

The initiation into the Elders Council is a vital aspect of Okada cultural heritage, emphasizing the significance of age, responsibility, and community service.

An age grade is a traditional social system where individuals born within a specific age range are grouped together.