Orovie community installs Odionwere after five years of waiting

Saturday, July 6 will remain indelible in the memory of the people of Orovie village in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, as a new page was opened in the annals of the community with the installation of Pa. Emmanuel Osamwonuyi Oviarobo as the Odionwere (Eldest man and Village Head).

The venue of the installation, known as Oguedion (Ancestors’ Sanctuary), was filled with people who gathered to witness the ceremony and were led by members of the Elders’ Council, who took the Odionwere through the stages of rituals involved as demanded by the custom and tradition of the Benin Kingdom.

After his installation, Odionwere Oviarobo offered prayers to God, through the ancestors, for protection, good health and blessings of the people of Orovie.

He also asked for peace, understanding among the natives and the divine wisdom to help effectively pilot affairs of his people during his tenure.

Addressing his people, the 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, crises and violence.”

Expressing gratitude to God for the gift of life and good health to be installed as the Odionwere, he said, he was highly excited as he also thanked the Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II for his benevolence.

He called on all indigenes of Orovie particularly those in the diaspora, to come home, join hands with him and the Elders’ Council, with support of the youth and move the village to higher growth and development.

Odionwere Oviarobo also pleaded for the attention of the state government and local governments, to help tar the only road which links the village with others such as Ekewan and Siluko roads respectively.

Also, the Odionwere’s son, Akugbe Oviarobo Osamwonuyi, said he was excited that his father, after a long walk, was finally installed.

The installation event attracted many indigenes of Orovie both at home and in the diaspora, particularly the immediate family members of the new Odionwere.

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