• +234 817 206 7105
  • ogbonaelitesforum@gmail.com
  • Close 52, House F46, Victoria Garden City, Lagos
Donate

May 2017

Contacts for Ogbona Sub-Clan/Village Heads As At 1st May, 2017

Leave a Comment / Palace of Okphe Ukpi of Ogbona /

OGBONA SUB-CLAN, VILLAGES AND VILLAGE HEADS AS AT 1st MAY, 2017 Akpagi Ivhiosano Chief Joseph Obeakemhe 3/7/2017 Ivhido Chief Jacob Orbih 3/25/2017 Ivhianaga Chief Bernard Ikhanoba 4/5/2017 Ivhioroke Chief Stephen Aloye Apakhade 8/4/2017 S/N OLD VILLAGES NEW VILLAGES NEW QUARTERS VILLAGE/QTRS HEADS INSTALLATION CONTACT NUMBER 1 Ivhiochie Ivhiobore Agiamhesor Chief Joseph Edogamhe 3-Jun-1986 08122953515, 07064937608 Atogwe Chief Lawrence Iyevhobu 6-Dec-2015 07038558508, ‘08059097487 Emhoepo Chief George Kadiri 2-Mar-2007 08052052203, 07030412997 Oghie Chief Azelake Akabeli 3-May-2010 09050157637, 07032967406 Imela Chief Sunday Oga 26-Jun-2007 07067047766 Ivhiosano Agba Chief Richard Otse 14-Mar-2007 08033327911 Ikhinaede Chief Joseph Obeakemhe 14-Feb-2007 08162393809 Okhakia Chief Vital Anaweokhai 9-Apr-1992 07031967458 Osimua Chief Mathias Akpaibor 19-Jun-2013 08033921962 Ivhitse Akpheokhai Chief Okpobisa Omiawa 10-Sep-1993 07066960311 Enamino Chief Noel Imhoedemhe 4-Jul-2007 08165496223 Innih Chief John Ogedegbe 17-Aug-2013 ,07038879021 Ototo Chief Moses Obadele Ogboalo 15-Sep-1985 S/N OLD VILLAGES NEW VILLAGES NEW QUARTERS VILLAGE/QTRS HEADS INSTALLATION CONTACT NUMBER 2 Ivhido Ivhiobere (Ivhiatso) Anyiora Chief Bernard Damaza 15-Aug-2015 07067443849 Ateghie Chief David Omoghie 08077336677 Anwukpe Chief Jacob Orbih 29-Jul-2006 07038228960 Imhomoh Chief Francis Umago 2-Mar-2007 08067638226 3 Ivhiorevho Ivhiorevho Anyia Chief Francis Irene 07069006832 Ikhane Chief Patrick Ikhane 10-Mar-2003 07035399945 Okhatie Chief Lawrence Ikhiagwa 14-Jun-2007 07069073442 4 Okotor Ivhioroke Aleghe Chief Cyril Okhakumhe 14-Feb-2007 08063445975 Imhonighie Chief Thomas Agbepue 12-Jan-2011 08069403446 Oyemheuno Chief Stephen Apakhade 28-Dec-2009 09036181081 Ivhianaga (Ivhioverai & Ivhiulaghua) Akpabeghie Chief Bernard Ikhanoba 22-Mar-2007 07039279261 Erhagbhe Chief Vincent Otsoi 12-Sep-2014 07068372908 Apekhore Chief Matthias Esue 25-May-2004 08137463687 Okozi Chief Joseph Okozi 14-Jun-2007 Ukhami Chief Daniel Oshiotse 9-Nov-2000 08066319594 Ivhiozima Irume Chief John Ikeku 1-Nov-1994 08073237730 Umogba Chief Matthias B. Isede 26-Mar-2007 07067626664 Uzobonwu Chief Musa Anetekhai 10-Sep-1993 07038436147 Akpagi Ivhiosano Chief Joseph Obeakemhe 3/7/2017 Ivhido Chief Jacob Orbih 3/25/2017 Ivhianaga Chief Bernard Ikhanoba 4/5/2017 S/N OLD VILLAGES NEW VILLAGES NEW QUARTERS VILLAGE/QTRS HEADS INSTALLATION CONTACT NUMBER 1 Ivhiochie Ivhiobore Agiamhesor Chief Joseph Edogamhe 3-Jun-1986 08122953515, 07064937608 Atogwe Chief Lawrence Iyevhobu 6-Dec-2015 07038558508, ‘08059097487 Emhoepo Chief George Kadiri 2-Mar-2007 08052052203, 07030412997 Oghie Chief Azelake Akabeli 3-May-2010 09050157637, 07032967406 Imela Chief Sunday Oga 26-Jun-2007 07067047766 Ivhiosano Agba Chief Richard Otse 14-Mar-2007 08033327911 Ikhinaede Chief Joseph Obeakemhe 14-Feb-2007 08162393809 Okhakia Chief Vital Anaweokhai 9-Apr-1992 07031967458 Osimua Chief Mathias Akpaibor 19-Jun-2013 08033921962 Ivhitse Akpheokhai Chief Okpobisa Omiawa 10-Sep-1993 07066960311 Enamino Chief Noel Imhoedemhe 4-Jul-2007 08165496223 Innih Chief John Ogedegbe 17-Aug-2013 ,07038879021 Ototo Chief Moses Obadele Ogboalo 15-Sep-1985 2 Ivhido Ivhiobere (Ivhiatso) Anyiora Chief Bernard Damaza 15-Aug-2015 07067443849 Ateghie Chief David Omoghie 08077336677 Anwukpe Chief Jacob Orbih 29-Jul-2006 07038228960 Imhomoh Chief Francis Umago 2-Mar-2007 08067638226 3 Ivhiorevho Ivhiorevho Anyia Chief Francis Irene 07069006832 Ikhane Chief Patrick Ikhane 10-Mar-2003 07035399945 Okhatie Chief Lawrence Ikhiagwa 14-Jun-2007 07069073442 4 Okotor Ivhioroke Aleghe Chief Cyril Okhakumhe 14-Feb-2007 08063445975 Imhonighie Chief Thomas Agbepue 12-Jan-2011 08069403446 Oyemheuno Chief Stephen Apakhade 28-Dec-2009 09036181081 Ivhianaga (Ivhioverai & Ivhiulaghua) Akpabeghie Chief Bernard Ikhanoba 22-Mar-2007 07039279261 Erhagbhe Chief Vincent Otsoi 12-Sep-2014 07068372908 Apekhore Chief Matthias Esue 25-May-2004 08137463687 Okozi Chief Joseph Okozi 14-Jun-2007 Ukhami Chief Daniel Oshiotse 9-Nov-2000 08066319594 Ivhiozima Irume Chief John Ikeku 1-Nov-1994 08073237730 Umogba Chief Matthias B. Isede 26-Mar-2007 07067626664 Uzobonwu Chief Musa Anetekhai 10-Sep-1993 07038436147

Contacts for Ogbona Sub-Clan/Village Heads As At 1st May, 2017 Read More »

The Palace of the Okphe Ukpi of Ogbona

Leave a Comment / Palace of Okphe Ukpi of Ogbona /

  THE-OGIEAVHIANWU-OF-AVHIANWU-WITH-THE-SUB-CLAN-HEAD-OF-AVHIANWU OGBONA RULERS OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY FROM 1892 TO 2017 S/N OKPHE UKPI KINDRED DATES 1 Aikpabeghie (OKPHE UKPI) Ivhioverai 1892 – 1904 2 Anyai (OKPHE UKPI) Handed over to Ototo when he was imprisoned for his role during the Dogbonoba war Ivhiorevho 1904 – 1908 3 Ototo (OKPHE UKPI) Ivhitse 1908 – 1914 4 Enakhumhe (Warrant Chief) Appointed by the British Administration Ivhiobore 1914 – 1917 5 Ikhumhetse (Warrant Chief) son of Enakhumhe Ivhiobore 1917 – 1918 6 Okozi (Warrant Chief) Removed on restoration of Ukpi holding system in 1931 Ivhiulaghua 1920 – 1931 7 Aleghe (OKPHE UKPI) appointed at the restoration of Ukpi holding Ivhioroke 1931 – 1938 8 Atsegwasi (OKPHE UKPI) ruled for 3 months Ivhiosano 1941 – 1941 9 Okozi (OKPHE UKPI) same Okozi that Warrant Chief of Ogbona 1920-1931 Ivhiulaghua 1942 – 1954 10 Patrick Ajayi Oboarekpe (A primary school Teacher) became the OKPHE UKPI of Ogbona and vacated the Ukpi holding on becoming the Ogieavhianwu of Avhianwu in 1986 Ivhitse 1955 – 1994 11 Chief Thomas Ajayie Osigbemhe (JP) a retired civil servant-Permanent Secretary (8/10/1994 – 2008) Ivhiozima 8/10/1994 – 2008 Chief William Idode, Okphe Ukpi of Ogbona (Politician and Community Leader) Ivhiobore 2008 – DATE NEXT ORDER OF ROTATION ACCORDING TO KINDRED AS AT APRIL 2017 12 Akpabeghie Egboise Title  Chief Bernard Ikhanoba 13 Ivhiorevho Ogboikpise Title  Chief Patrick K. Ikhane 14 Ivhioroke Utokho Ukpi Na evho Title  Chief Stephen Apakhade 15 Ivhido Utokho Ukpi Na ape Title  Chief Jacob Utu Orbih     OGBONA SUB-CLAN, VILLAGES AND VILLAGE HEADS AS AT 1st MAY, 2017 Akpagi Ivhiosano Chief Joseph Obeakemhe 3/7/2017 Ivhido Chief Jacob Orbih 3/25/2017 Ivhianaga Chief Bernard Ikhanoba 4/5/2017 S/N OLD VILLAGES NEW VILLAGES NEW QUARTERS VILLAGE/QTRS HEADS INSTALLATION CONTACT NUMBER 1 Ivhiochie Ivhiobore Agiamhesor Chief Joseph Edogamhe 3-Jun-1986 08122953515, 07064937608 Atogwe Chief Lawrence Iyevhobu 6-Dec-2015 07038558508, ‘08059097487 Emhoepo Chief George Kadiri 2-Mar-2007 08052052203, 07030412997 Oghie Chief Azelake Akabeli 3-May-2010 09050157637, 07032967406 Imela Chief Sunday Oga 26-Jun-2007 07067047766 Ivhiosano Agba Chief Richard Otse 14-Mar-2007 08033327911 Ikhinaede Chief Joseph Obeakemhe 14-Feb-2007 08162393809 Okhakia Chief Vital Anaweokhai 9-Apr-1992 07031967458 Osimua Chief Mathias Akpaibor 19-Jun-2013 08033921962 Ivhitse Akpheokhai Chief Okpobisa Omiawa 10-Sep-1993 07066960311 Enamino Chief Noel Imhoedemhe 4-Jul-2007 08165496223 Innih Chief John Ogedegbe 17-Aug-2013 ,07038879021 Ototo Chief Moses Obadele Ogboalo 15-Sep-1985 2 Ivhido Ivhiobere (Ivhiatso) Anyiora Chief Bernard Damaza 15-Aug-2015 07067443849 Ateghie Chief David Omoghie 08077336677 Anwukpe Chief Jacob Orbih 29-Jul-2006 07038228960 Imhomoh Chief Francis Umago 2-Mar-2007 08067638226 3 Ivhiorevho Ivhiorevho Anyia Chief Francis Irene 07069006832 Ikhane Chief Patrick Ikhane 10-Mar-2003 07035399945 Okhatie Chief Lawrence Ikhiagwa 14-Jun-2007 07069073442 4 Okotor Ivhioroke Aleghe Chief Cyril Okhakumhe 14-Feb-2007 08063445975 Imhonighie Chief Thomas Agbepue 12-Jan-2011 08069403446 Oyemheuno Chief Stephen Apakhade 28-Dec-2009 09036181081 Ivhianaga (Ivhioverai & Ivhiulaghua) Akpabeghie Chief Bernard Ikhanoba 22-Mar-2007 07039279261 Erhagbhe Chief Vincent Otsoi 12-Sep-2014 07068372908 Apekhore Chief Matthias Esue 25-May-2004 08137463687 Okozi Chief Joseph Okozi 14-Jun-2007 Ukhami Chief Daniel Oshiotse 9-Nov-2000 08066319594 Ivhiozima Irume Chief John Ikeku 1-Nov-1994 08073237730 Umogba Chief Matthias B. Isede 26-Mar-2007 07067626664 Uzobonwu Chief Musa Anetekhai 10-Sep-1993 07038436147 PALACE OF OKPHE-UKPI OF OGBONA APPROVED VILLAGES (3RD EDITION) S/N OTADI VILLAGES VILLAGE HEAD 1 PA. JACOB ATEGHE OTOTO CHIEF MOSES OGBOALO 2 PA. MATHIAS OSHAWO AGBAI CHIEF RICHARD OTSE 3 PA. IMOAGENE APEBU ANYIA CHIEF FRANCIS IRENE 4 PA. JULIUS IGBADUMHE ATEGIE CHIEF DAVID OMOGHIE 5 PA. PIUS OKOZI OKOZI CHIEF JOSEPH OKOZI 6 PA. OSHIOKE AGBEPUE IMHONIGHIE CHIEF THOMAS AGBEPUE 7 PA. JOSEPH AMIEKHAMHE ANWUKPE CHIEF JACOB ORBIH 8 PA. ERUA ALUOGHOR OGIHE CHIEF AZELAKE AKABELI 9 PA. PAUL IKHUMHI ERAGBHE CHIEF VINCENT OTSOI 10 PA. ALASA OSIGBEMHE UZOBONWU CHIEF MUSA ANETEKHAI 11 PA. ANTHONY AIGBA AGIAMHESOR CHIEF JOSEPH EDOGAMHE 12 PA. EMITSE ILEGA AIKPABEGHIE CHIEF BERNARD IKHANOBA 13 PA. IKIELU OMIAWA AKPHIOKHAI CHIEF OKPOBISA OMIAWA 14 PA. UNOADE AKO ALEGHE CHIEF CYPRIL OKHAKUMHE 15 PA. PAUL S. ELETA ANYORIA CHIEF BERNARD DAMAZA 16 PA. ANTHONY OGHENA APEKHORE CHIEF MATTHIAS ESUE 17 PA. INNOCENT ITSUOKOR ATOGWE CHIEF LAWRENCE IYEVHOBU 18 PA. MOMOH OMAKHIA EMHOEPO CHIEF GEORGE I. KADIRI 19 PA. CHRISTOPHER EKHASEMOMHE ENAMINO CHIEF NOEL IMHODEMHE 20 PA. JOHN IKHANE IKHANE CHIEF PATRICK IKHANE 21 PA. OSIMEGA OGAH IMELA CHIEF SUNDAY OGAH 22 PA. BENSON KASIMI IMHOMOH CHIEF FRANCIS UMAGOR 23 PA. SALAMI OPIKHARA IKIHINAEDE CHIEF JOSEPH OBEAKEMHE 24 PA. SIMEON OKOMILO INNIH CHIEF  JOHN OGEDEGBE 25 PA. RUFUS BELLO IRUME CHIEF JOHN IKEKU 26 PA. MUSA ITAKU OKHAKIA CHIEF VITAL ANAVHEOKHAI 27 PA. ANDREW OKHAMERA OKHATIE CHIEF LAWRENCE IKHIAGWA 28 PA. MICHAEL KANO ABU OSIMUA CHIEF MATTHIAS AKPAIBOR 29 PA. KAYODE OKHOTOR OYEMHEUNO CHIEF STEPHEN APAKHADE 30 PA.  JOSPEH OSHITSE UKHAMI CHIEF DANIEL OSHIOTSE 31 PA. MATTHIAS ISEDE UMOGBA CHIEF MATTHIAS ISEDE 32 NON-INDIGINS REPRESENTATIVE CHIEF ABDULLAHI ESHEIEMOGHE 33 NON-INDIGINS REPRESENTATIVE CHIEF YAYA YUSUF   H.H. CHIEF WILLY IDODE                                            CHIEF GEORGE KADIRI THE OKPHE-UKPI OF OGBONA                                   SECRETARY, OKPHE-UKPI-IN COUNCIL AND SUB-CLAN HEAD OF AVHIANWU Profile of HRH, Chief William Idode, Okphe Ukpi of Ogbona Williams Uloko Idode was born 4th April 1959 to Mr. Momodu Ojakpai idode and Mrs. Lametu Amiunomhene Idogho both of Ivhiobore quarters Ogbona. He left home very early to live with his uncle Dr. J. B. Idode in Benin City in 1970. He completed his primary education in Benin City at Arinze Primary School in 1972. Attended Western Boys High School Benin City 1972 -1977. Willie then left for Kaduna to start life on his own where he gained employment with Nigeria Defense Industry. He returned home to take up an appointment as teacher in 1979 due to pressure from his parents. The struggles continued for some time to go back to school and meet with financial and family challenges. He has to stay close to his father when the father became very sick because others were not around home. The father died in 1986. His death free him to go into business both local and international business (buying and selling), contract jobs, mining of solid mineral and later, petroleum products business. In 1996 he went into politics, served as ward chairman for eight years and as party Local Government Chairman

The Palace of the Okphe Ukpi of Ogbona Read More »

Constitution of the Ogbona Elites Forum

Leave a Comment / Ogbona Elites Forum /

  CONSTITUTION OF THE OGBONA ELITES FORUM   Preamble:   Article 1: Name, Logo, Aims and objectives  SECTION 1: NAME The name of this organization shall be OGBONA ELITES FORUM (hereinafter referred to as the “OEF”). This shall be the umbrella body for: Ogbona Elites Forum on WhatsApp, Ogbona Political Elites Forum on WhatsApp, I’m an Indigene of Ogbona Group on Facebook, The Ogbona Elites Website, (ogbonaelites.org and Any other forum or platform that maybe established by the OEF for the purpose of achieving its objectives.   SECTION 2: LOGO The OEF shall have a logo depicting the social-cultural values it represents.   SECTION 3: AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The aims and objectives of the forum are as follows: To unite all elites of Ogbona extraction across the world, irrespective of gender, political and religious beliefs or affiliations or economic status, etc. To cross fertilize ideas that could foster the development of Ogbona. To support and defend the common cause of Ogbona and of one another. To showcase Ogbona cultural heritage. To serve as resource centre on Ogbona customary law, culture and traditions. To preserve, by relevant means, the historical heritage of Ogbona community and celebrate, and when necessary, reward those that have contributed to the growth and development of the historical and modern Ogbona community. While restraining itself from partisan politics, to act as a pressure group and mobilise support for and in favour of any Ogbona indigene who is contesting for a political position against an outsider and maintain a neutral status where such a political contest involves two or more Ogbona indigenes. Organization of events and forums for: The generation of positive ideas for the development of our community. Formulate action plans responsible for the development of the community. The mobilization of necessary human and material resources. The maintenance of peace and security in our community. Implement approved projects and community projects. Career talks and planning for our youth in schools. 9.      To acquire both moveable and immovable property as well as open and run bank accounts for the purpose of promoting the above stated aims and objectives.   ARTICLE 2: CHARTER AND AFFILIATIONS SECTION 4: CHARTER This organization shall maintain a charter in the state as a non-political, non-religious and non-profit socio-cultural organization. AFFILIATION OEF may, in line with its bye-laws and/or Constitution, work in collaboration with other persons or groups of persons in Ogbona for the purpose of achieving its aims and objectives   ARTICLE 3: MEMBERSHIP, DUTIES, OBLIGATIONS, RESPONSIBLILITES AND BENEFITS SECTION 5: MEMBERSHIP Membership of Ogbona Elites Forum shall be open to all indigenes of Ogbona, irrespective of gender. Such members must be gainfully employed and must not be students of secondary schools or undergraduates of polytechnics or universities. Postgraduate students who meets all the other criteria of membership contained in this constitution shall be eligible as members. Membership of Ogbona Elites Forum shall be open to spouses of Ogbona indigenes, provided that such spouses identify with, and are integrated into mainstream Ogbona, regardless of place of residence. Membership of “I’m an Indigene of Ogbona” Group on Facebook shall be open to all indigenes of Ogbona and to spouses of Ogbona indigenes, irrespective of gender or place of residence, including students and unemployed   SECTION 6: DUTIES, OBLIGATIONS & RESPONSIBLILITES OF MEMBERS All members shall uphold the ideals of the OEF at all times they shall uphold the values of Ogbona community and regard themselves and act as worthy ambassadors of Ogbona. Members are expected to observe the laws of the OEF at all times. Members are expected to contribute positively to matters relating to the entire Ogbona All members shall pay the prescribed annual contributions; levies and/or dues, voluntary donations only to the designated accounts of the OEF, to enable the organisation carry out its objectives effectively. Members are obliged to report incidents or matters that affect Ogbona community to the OEF through any of the platforms established for communication amongst Members shall ensure that they provide accurate information required to prepare and/or update the Register of Members from time to time. All members shall be entitled to a  free electronic copy  of  the  Constitution provided they are in a good financial standing. Members shall treat each other with mutual respect both in conduct and in words. The use of derogatory languagen a member by another shall attract severe penalty in accordance with this constitution. Members are required to pay all dues as may be specified by the Board of Administrators. Non-payment of dues by a member shall be considered equivalent to resignation. Such member’s name shall be deleted from the register of members, and cease to enjoy any membership benefits including but not limited to the right to vote and be voted for, unless extenuating circumstances are given or made known by such a member and accepted by the Board of Administrators. Membership is terminated if a member resigns by written notice to the Forum.However, if a member under investigation by the Forum resigns his/her membership prior to the conclusion of investigation, he/she stands expelled without prejudice to the Forum’s disciplinary procedure and shall not be readmitted; Should any member fail to pay his or her subscription as stated in this Article  (9) above, the Treasurer shall report accordingly to the EXCO who may cause the member’s name to be erased from the list of members by their order and there upon he or she ceases to be a member of the Forum. Any member entrusted with the property of the organisation shall handle such property with diligence and apply same solely for the purpose for which such property was entrusted in their care.   SECTION 7: MEMBERS’ ENTITLEMENTS AND PRIVILEDGES Subject to the provisions of this Constitution or as determined by the EBA, every member shall be entitled to vote and be voted for during the election. Members shall be eligible to use any of the platforms of the organisation, be it social media, library and resourceentres and participations in the forum’s activities. Members can

Constitution of the Ogbona Elites Forum Read More »

The origin and meaning of the term Osinegba and Forms of morning salutations

Leave a Comment / History and Culture of Avhianwu Clan" /

The origin and meaning of the term Osinegba – By Aha Idokpesi Okhaishe N’ Avhianwu Among the Nupe stores of charms and amulets was the Egba. Egba was an amulet in the form of a ring and was worn around the upper arm. It was believed to supply superhuman strength to the wearer during encounters. It could also cause the wearer to vanish into thin air in the face of danger, the people were made to believe. This all powerful amulet did not however weaken the reliance of the people of Etsako upon the omnipotence of the Supreme God. They believed still that God transcends all other powers including the powers ascribed to Egba. So, they were confident that God could and would deliver them from the powers of Egba and grant them the strength to vanquish the wearers of Egba. Their slogan was ‘Osi on’ Egba’ meaning ‘God is greater than Egba.’ This slogan was contracted to read ‘Osinegba’ which is today the Avhianwu vernacular version of the name God. In the vernacular of Avhianwu Osi is the word for God. Forms of morning salutations – By Aha Idokpesi Okhaishe N’ Avhianwu Various forms of morning salutations today among the various groups in Etsako land are the casualties of the Nupe invasion and occupation of Etsako land and beyond. From these morning salutations it can be known what form of resistance, if any, a particular group put up against the Nupe invaders. That is, did the group seek safety in flight or courageously move to repel the Nupe attacks. The Nupe slave raiders were known for carrying out their raids and attacks on the people at morning and waking times. Alert cries by the people were given in codes. These were made to look as forms of salutations. As mentioned above, these alert cries among the various groups reflect the form of resistance each group put up against the enemies. Such groups as Avhianwu, Ekperi, Uzairue, Ineme, Weppa-Wano, Auchi and others were known to have sought safety in flight at the advance of the slave raiders. They had such alert cries as ‘Na-egbea’. Given etymologically, Na is an imperative meaning ‘Run!’ While Egbea is the vernacular word for ‘morning’. Na-egbea thus informed the natives of the immediacy to take to their heels as the Nupes advanced to carry out morning raids. The Ibies who would not give in to the slave raiders so easily made such a clarion call for arms as Agbe-lo. NA-EGBEA meaning ‘run away (this) morning’ and AGBE-LO which translates ‘they (the Nupes) are to be attacked’ or ‘Go for the kill’ have been retained by their inventors as morning salutations to this day.

The origin and meaning of the term Osinegba and Forms of morning salutations Read More »

Imhakhena Leaves Ivhiarua – By Aha Idokpesi Okhaishe N’ Avhianwu

Leave a Comment / History and Culture of Avhianwu Clan" /

Imhakhena Leaves Ivhiarua – By Aha Idokpesi Okhaishe N’ Avhianwu Imhakhena, the son of Anwu, son of Azama, lived peacefully with the children of Arua, his nephews, at Ivhiarua settlement. Imhakhena and family settled at the present day Ivhiukasa in Ivhiarua. This accounts for why Ivhimhakhena (descendants of Imhakhena) to this day make their first stop at Ivhiukasa on arrival at Fugar for the Age-group Naming Ceremony during the puberty (manhood) initiation. Imhakhena, Mother Aleukoko and the children of Arua all shared a common settlement: Ivhiarua. At home, they ate in common. They led a life of sharing irrespective of the sizes of the extended families. For meals, Mother Aleukoko’s kitchen still remained the meeting point for all her children. Her children’s children also filled their stomachs from her kitchen. So all met here to have a stomach full of whatever was prepared to satisfy their hunger. The children of Arua and Imhakhena’s life together did not however continue indefinitely. Imhakhena had been both a hunter and a farmer. He was most of the time away from home on a hunting expedition. The vast forests bordering on his farmlands were his hunting fields. Imhakhena was notorious for his long absence from home. He was either working on his farm or atop trees lying in wait for game. He was however never left out in the sharing of meals. His share was always kept whenever he was expected. At times Imhakhena returned home when he was least expected. At other times he would fail to show up when he was most expected. There was that fateful day when Imhakhena left home in the small hours of the morning and was never at all expected back home. But he did come back to ask for his share of the baked corn (ikpeko or eko-oka) meal – his favourite food -that was reportedly prepared and eaten that day in Mother Aleukoko’s kitchen. He was told that not even a mouthful was left of it. Imhakhena was very bitter about what he termed unfair treatment meted out to him. Under his emotional outburst of anger (typical of a hungry man) he resolved to go back to his farmland where he could be alone and release surplus emotion. This was a measure very drastic in itself and very dreadful in its consequences, Imhakhena left that evening for the farm. And all was no longer the same thereafter. For several days, Imhakhena was away from home. His brothers, nephews and Mother Aleukoko were worried about him. After so many days of sojourn in the wilds, Imhakhena returned home and was received with joy. But none was half as joyful as Mother Aleukoko who was most worried about her youngest and bosom child. Imhakhena’s brothers hailed him ‘Uvie bh’ eko’ meaning ‘He who cried over baked corn (eko-oka). Though Imhakhena was home once again, his attitude towards home and all at home changed thereafter. He had begun making covert arrangements to make a home out of his farmlands. He would leave home for the farms only to return very much later than usual. His long absences from home became extraordinary and alarming. Each time he was asked for an explanation of his action, he would answer, ‘Ugbo onua (contracts to read Ugbonua) meaning ‘The farm is a long way away.’ He told them it was becoming increasingly difficult if not extremely impossible for him to be on the road with the same frequency as when his farm was near home. This continued for a long time until he left one day and never returned as he usually did. This time he took all his family with him. All his belongings he had hitherto transferred piecemeal to his farm. Imhakhena had established a settlement, a separate settlement. He was gone: away from his kinsmen and aged mother. Imhakhena had, however, not broken fraternal ties with his kinsmen. His brothers, nephews and all paid him constant visits, which he returned. They would not call him by any other name, during such meetings, but Ugbonua, teasingly. Anyone leaving home for a visit to Imhakhena would announce, “I go to see ‘Ugbonua’” The village Imhakhena established took the name Ogbona to this day. This had been a name coined from Imhakhena’s nickname: Ugbonua’. Oreokhiye is the tree that gave Imhakhena a shade and served as a warehouse for his farm and hunting implements during his farming and hunting expeditions. It was by this tree he built his farmstead, which later laid the foundations of Ogbona village. The name Oreokhiye as this monumental tree is known by to this day means ‘He who has come will not go back home (to parent Avhianwu, of course)’. The tree, Oreokhiye, is still standing to this day. It is located at the Ogbona traditional market. Mother Aleukoko Joins Imhakhena  Mother Aleukoko leaves home The lone figure directly affected by Imhakhena’s absence from home was their aged mother, Mother Aleukoko. She would rather be with Imhakhena alone than the many hundreds she was then left with. She hated to think that Imhakhena, her youngest child, was away – far away from her. She sorrowed over his absence. Her other children tried to make her see that there was no point grieving over the absence of her last born when she had them around her. She suffered in silence. Imhakhena’s separation from Mother Aleukoko was however for a short duration. As both fate and luck would have it, Imhakhena was reported ill. This was reported to Mother Aleukoko. Imhakhena’s indisposition had been a very good reason for Mother Aleukoko to leave home and join Imhakhena. She left home, as was expected, to care for her son at the latter’s farm (then a home for Imhakhena). Mother Aleukoko would not return home even when Imhakhena had been relieved of his illness. Her other children could not do otherwise but to send her belongings. Thus, Mother Aleukoko had joined her youngest child, Imhakhena, at the latter’s farm. The

Imhakhena Leaves Ivhiarua – By Aha Idokpesi Okhaishe N’ Avhianwu Read More »

Copyright © 2019 | Ogbona Elites | All Rights Reserved.

Developed by Aretus IT Solutions