AN ADDRESS DELIVERED BY CHIEF HON JOS AKHIGBE ALEMOH (JP) THE OGHIEANOR OF AVIANWU DURING THE INSTALLATION OF CHIEF JACOB ORBIH BY HRH WILLIAM IDODE AS THE SUB CLAN HEAD OF OGBONA AS THE UTOKHO UKPI NAPE OF OGBONA REPRESENTING THE IVHIDO VILLAGE OF IVHIOKHUA RULLING HOUSE OF OGBONA COMMUNITY.
The Edo State Chairman PDP
My Clan Head of Avianwu
The Sub Clan Heads of Avianwu Clan
The members of the political parties here present
My Lords spiritual and temporal
The galaxy of gentlemen of the press
The good people of Ogbona Community.
Ladies and gentlemen.
1 feel humbled to be called upon to chairman this epoch making ceremony in the life of the people of Ivhido in particular and the Ogbona Community in general.
It may be difficult for the none-Avianwu who do not know much of our history to understand and comprehend the history that is being made today.
I therefore ask for your indulgence to take a little of your time to go back and intimate you of the reasons why we are here.
Anwu the father and founder of the Avianwu, migrated from Benin about the 16th century when Oba Ozolua ruled Benin Kingdom. The people of Avianwu had not settled down fully in their newly located settlement at IKPE (Okutegba) when the new king, ruling them then KING OMOAZEKPE began to give them worse treatment than the ones they received from the them Oba of Benin.
Because of this unbearable treatment, Anwu and his four children Viz: UNONE, ARUA, URALO and Imhakhena (Ogbona) left IKPE (Jattu) in the company of Okpisai, Owai, Onotseakhale and other members of Weppa and Wano. The Ivhianwu settled in Ugbiogwa then to Ulumhogie in IVHINONE-FUGAR while Weppa/Wano continued the movement until they got to Agenebode. You may later know the meaning of Ulumhoghie and Agenebode.
While at Fugar the children began to move out in search of good land for farming. This is the cause of the third and last movement. When IVHIARUA moved to her present location, Iraokhor and Imhakhena also moved to their respective places of habitation. Being the last son and the pet of ALOKOKO their mother, Aloukoko decided to stay with Imhakhena (Ogbona) leaving Unone and Arua behind at Fugar where Unone and Arua resides. Aloukoko stayed with Imhakhena (Ogbona) until her death and was buried therein. This is the reason why Ogbona has the authority to announce to the other three brothers when girls fit to be initiated into womanhood would start the process. Again, Avianwu by tradition do not eat python which represents Aloukoko our mother but, if by a mistake you eat it, you have to go to the shrine located at Ogbona built for our mother to appease her and appeal for pardon.
Now, coming to the reason we are here gathered today, our people have their traditional way of ascending to the UKPISHIP, (the traditional symbol of the Avhianwu rulership.) To be an Okphe Ukpi – (SUB CLAN HEAD) in any of the four ruling villages in Avianwu, you must first be
(1) UTOKHO UKPI NAPE
(2) UTOKHO UKPI NAE BHO
(3) EGBOI IKPISE
(4) EGBOISE
(5) OKPHE UKPI – This is the last stage which cannot be transferred or held in trust for the family. Stage 1 to 4 are held in trust for the ruling house /family.
The hierarchy must come from ruling houses and the ruling houses as they were, were not, evenly distributed to the villages for some reasons which we do not know and so cannot explain. Some villages in the four sub clans of Avianwu were forgotten or omitted from the list of these privileged to have these ruling houses. Because of the present enlightenment and changes in the world, some families decided to enquire into what happened. While some caused enquiries to be made in their cases. Some went to court but the Ivhido, a village of intelligential in all fields of endeavor approached the matter quite intelligently and with the sense of responsibility. With this genuine and unprovoked manner the chiefs, elders, and youth of the ruling house met and unequivocally approved the community of Ivhido as a ruling house within IVHIOKWA.
This creation should not have been possible if not for the understanding, gentility, and unassuming character of the willingness of His Royal Highness William Idode (Sub Clan Head of Ogbona Community).
Finally, I want to appeal and advise our Highnesses, their Chiefs, and the parents of our children to as much as possible stop the youths in their respective communities to avoid criminality or abetting criminals for any reason whatsoever.
I want us to obey the biblical statement in Proverbs Chapter 29 verse 1-2 “He who is often rebuked and hardened his neck, will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. (2) When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice but when a wicked man rules, the people groan.”
We should be righteous and give good example if we should expect our children to do like wise Thank you for listening and May the Good Lord lead you safely back to your destinations. God bless the people of Ivhido, God bless the people of Ogbona and God bless the people of Avianwu
Chief. Dr. Jos. Akhigbe Alemoh (JP) Ogieanor of Avianwu Land
A WELCOME ADDRESS PRESENTED BY DONALD OGH1ELU ORBIH ON THE OCCATION OF THE PRESENTATION OF STAFF OF OFFICE -‘AKPAGI OF IVHIDO’ AND THE ‘UTOKHO-UKPINAPE’ OF OGBONA TO CHIEF JACOB UTU ORBIH ON THIS DAY 25th MARCH, 2017.
The Chairman,
Chief Joseph Akhigbe
Your Royal Majesty, the Oghie Avianwu of Avianwu Kingdom. Alhaji Dauda Jackson Etokhana
Your Highness, the Okpo-Ukpi of Ogbona, Chief Willy “Uloko Idode
All other members of Oghie Avianwu in-council Present. All other traditional rulers present here
My Lords spiritual and temporal, esteemed guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.
It is a thing of joy for us the ‘Ivhidolites’ and the people of Ogbona to welcome you all to this historic occasion.
We are most delighted to have you in our midst as history is being made with the celebration of the Utokho-Ukpinape of Ogbona in Ivhido and the formal presentation of staff of office for the Akpagi of Ivhido to Chief Jacob Utu Orbih.
The quest for this status the ‘Utokho-Ukpinape’ for the people of Ivhido has been a long-long journey, but time will not allow me to give you the details, However, I want to join all to thank God for making this quest a reality before us today. I want to assure you that more than ever before our people are very happy and ready to continue to contribute to the growth of Ogbona and by extension Avianwu kingdom.
We appreciate the efforts put on this quest by our forefathers at different times in our history particularly the late Hon Chief MCK Orbih. We believe that they are here in spirit and happy in their resting places because their sons and daughters took up the challenge and worked tirelessly to bring this dreams to fruition.
The chairman, Your Royal Majesty the Oghie Avhianwu of Avhianwu Kingdom, His Highness the Okphe Ukpi of Ogbona, members of the high table, distinguished guests I welcome you all to this historic ceremony. Please; make yourself comfortable. God bless.
Sir Donald Oghielu Orbih KSM
CITATION OF CHIEF JACOB UTU ORBIH ON THE OCCASION OF HIS PRESENTATION WITH STAFF OF OFFICE AS THE AKPAGI OF IVHIDO AND THE UTOKHO-UKPL NAPE OF OGBONA SUB-CLAN OF AVHIANWU CLAN ON SATURDAY 25™ MARCH 2017.
PROTOCOL
Chief Jacob Utu Orbih was born to the, Noble family of Late Chief Orbih Ekhamhekpe and Late Mrs. Oiboh Orbih (nee Imoagene) of Ivhitse kindred Ogbona.
Though, Chief Jacob Orbih had no formal education, He has the ability to read and write, through his personal effort in the Evening Adult Education lessons of those days. His late father had to pick him specially amongst his children to stay by him in his farm work.
Chief Jacob Orbih is an embodiment of greatness, humility and generosity. He is legend not just because he is an accomplished farmer but because of his rare Philanthropic Activities. He is-a free giver who has touched the lives of very many people in the community and-beyond.
POLITICS
Chief Jacob Utu Orbih is a political Apostle of his late brother, Chief M.C.K. Orbih. Most of us know that the late Chief M.C.K Orbih was an Enigma and Political colossus who bestride the political landscape of not only Edo North but also Edo State in general than any living politician of recent history in our time.
Chief Jacob Orbih followed the Political dynasty established by his late brother in 1954 as a member of national Council of Nigerian and Cameroon (NCNC), Action Group (AG) in 1959. As a loyal and dedicated party man. Chief Jacob Orbih followed the leadership to become foundation member of the National party of Nigeria (NPN), and All People’s Party (APP). He joined the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2002. Since then till date, Chief Jacob Orbih is a leader/elder of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State. He is a grass root mobilizer and an asset to any organization he belongs to.
With the pursuit of what is best for their people and the entrance of his youthful and energetic younger nephew. Chief Dan Osi Orbih into partisan politics, he pitched his net with the PDP. Chief Jacob Orbih is an elder and leader of PDP in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State. He believes in Politics without Bitterness. With his new traditional titles he is already aware that he will treat his subject and all without fear or favour.
A MAN OF HONOUR
Chief Jacob Orbih, though not a man of many means, has by dint of handwork and discipline, been able to climb the ladder of life to reasonable height.
He has been honoured with several chieftaincy titles and appointments in his community and elsewhere. These include:
- Oduevho of Ivhiobere village in Ivhido, Ogbona in 1991 by the Okphe-Ukpi of Ogbona.
- Okhaemho of Ivhiobere, Ivhido Ogbona on the 29th of July, 2006 by the Okphe-Ukpi of Ogbona.
- Leader of Igielege Dance Group of Ogbona
- The Etseowa of Three Ibie kingdom by His royal Majesty Chief J.B. Momoh-The Oghie aga of Three Ibie on the 28th of October 2008.
- The Ovo khawera of Avhianwu kingdom by His Royal Majesty Chief Patrick A. Oboarekpe of Blessed Memory, on the 28th of October 2008. (2 titles by two different clan heads the same day)
Chief Jacob Orbih is currently,
- A member of the Okpo-ukpi in Council of Ogbona Sub-Clan and
- A member of the Oghieavianwu-in-council of Avhianwu kingdom.
- The Oghiebo of Ivhiobere in Ivhido
- The eldest Man of the Orbih’s family, alive today.
SOCIAL LIFE
Chief Jacob Orbih is a very social person, a good acrobatic traditional dancer and melodious traditional drummer and singer.
- A band leader to Late Bolivia Osigbemhe in the seventies.
- Was also the pioneer President for Famous Anabui Club ’88’ Ogbona that built the first bus top in Ogbona
- The club leader of Ishioko (Hunters) Dance group of Ogbona.
- Drummer of Ikphebor Dance Group Ogbona and lyodo dance group.
- Was the leader of the Igieoge and Uke dance groups of Ivhido and
- Currently the leader of the Ho dance group of Ivhido.
The Chairman, Traditional rulers here present My Lord Spiritual and temporal. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen it is my pleasure to present to you this great and fearless man, who can stand, up to anybody, in defense of what is fair and just. The qualities have earned him the nickname of Rear Commander” and “Minister of Home Affairs” of the Orbih family and all the indigenes of Ivhido, Ogbona Subclan of Avhianwu.
He is happily married to three wives and he is blessed with children and many grandchildren. Join me in applause of the man who is being installed today as the Utokho-Ukpinape of Ogbona and Akpagi of Ivhido, Chief Jacob Utu Orbih.