Centenarian Pa Johnson Ahanon installed Odionwere ofIgueoshodin N’kpemaba
By Simeon OSAJIE
A new chapter opened in the history book of the people of Igueoshodin N’kpemaba, Ovia-North-East Local Government Council Area of Edo State, with the installation of a centenarian, Pa. Johnson Ahanon as the Odionwere (oldest and administrative Head) of the community.
The installation of Pa. Ahanon, 124 year old yet sound in health and mind, follows the approval of the Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II CFR, Oba of Benin Kingdom.
Venue of the event, ‘Oguedion’ (ancestral elders’ sanctuary) was besieged by the people of all ages, natives of the village, their friends and well wishers, to witness the very traditional process which occurs once in a while.
As readiness to appear in the Oguedion (holy sanctuary of the ancestors), the man at the centre of it all, Pa Johnson Ahanon a.k.a ‘Dr. White’ was decked in white attire and body decorated with native chalk, indicating purity and peace for the task ahead.
In the air of loud celebrations amidst songs, drumming and dancing by the people, he was majestically led into the sanctuary by the elders in charge of the installation.
He was taken through all the open traditional rituals of installation and was instantly pronounced the Odionwere bearing all the accompanying rights, privileges and responsibilities.
As the first assignment in office, the Odionwere, Pa. Ahanon offered prayers for the wellbeing, peace, unity, prosperity, unhindered growth and development of Igueoshodin N’kpemaba and the people.
Thanking God and his ancestors for keeping him alive and healthy for the office, he promised to operate an open door and all inclusive government.
He also urged everyone to put whatever bitterness and the ugly past behind them, and join hands with him to be one united family in the task ahead; which he acknowledged definitely would no less be challenging.
As immediate concern, he passionately appealed to the Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo to help in the construction of the access road to the village which he said is very important, to ease the movement of farm produce to the market place.
The Odionwere, Pa. Ahanon feeling fulfilled, thanked all members of Igueoshodin N’Kpemaba and particularly, the Benin Monarch His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin Kingdom for the support and understanding and for restoring peace to the community.
Chief Emmanuel Iyase , Okao Egua led the Oba’s delegates to the installation of Pa Jonathan Ahanon
He prayed for the peaceful reign of the Odionwere, unity, and prosperity of the village and her people.
He then admonished him to carry everyone along irrespective of past differences and must not give ear to hearsay and rumour mongers, only out to do damage amongst the people.
Adding; that the Odionwere must always remember, he is now only not acting on behalf of the Oba, and Government but a father to everyone.
“You cannot be angry while you are in victory, the Odionwere must be magnanimous in victory!
“It is now joy, joy after all the misunderstanding and disagreement as to who should be the Odionwere.”
In the same vein, the Okaighele (Youths Head), Kenneth Omorogbe expressed gratitude that after seven years of dispute and disagreement, peace has been established with the installation of Pa. Johnson Ahanon as the substantive Odionwere.
“This is what the Monarch HRM Oba Ewuare II wants and everyone is raring to go the way of lasting peace, unhindered growth and development!”
