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Biography of Late Madam Angelina Agbapalo Odior (Nee Igonor)

Biography of Late Madam Angelina Agbapalo Odior (Nee Igonor) Mrs. Angelina Agbapalo Odior was born on 21st September 1931 to the late Mr. and Mrs. Igonor of Ivhiorevho quarters, Ogbona, in Avianwu clan, Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State. She was the second daughter of the Late Mrs. Awawu Amhofuegbe Igonor (nee Ikhaghu). Mrs. Adi Momoh Umole (Late) and Lady Christiana Itsuokor (Late) were her same parent siblings. They had several stepbrothers, including Irumhekhai Igonor, Aduku Igonor, Pius Ebayode Igonor, and Ikhe Igonor. Madam Angelina had a loving bond with her eldest sister, Mrs. Adi Momoh Umole (Late). Adi Momoh Umole, the eldest of the three sisters, had seven children: Mrs. Abiba Osimerha (late), Mrs. Omonegho Enakpene (late), Lady Victoria Umole, Dr. Jerome Umole (late), Lawrence Umole (late), Mrs. Magdalene Yusuf (late), and Clement Umole. Among Abiba Osimerha’s (Late) nine children is Barrister Felix Jones Osimerha. Dr. Jerome Umole (late) had five children: Barrister Ekhaesomi Umole, Barrister Osilama Umole, Oshioriamhe Umole, Mrs. Oyemhe, and Emike Umole. Her younger sister was Lady Christiana, whom she loved dearly. The youngest of the three sisters, Lady Christiana, lived with her elder sister, Madam Angelina Odior, to assist with caring for her children before marrying the late Pa Daniel Kadiri Itsuokor in 1959. Lady Christiana had nine children: Mike Amanesi Kadiri Itsuokor, Moses Eshiekpaobo Kadiri Itsuokor(late), Cecilia Eloghie, Frederick Egbevhomhe Kadiri Itsuokor, Marcel Erelumhe Kadiri Itsuokor, Martina, Anthony Iyemhelo, Mathew Oshiomeghie Kadiri Itsuokor, and Evelyn Omoarefe. Sadly, Lady passed away on 7th August 1991 in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital in Zaria after a long illness. Angelina and her step-siblings loved and cared for each other. Aduku Augustine Igonor’s children include Mrs. Helen Igonor Renner, Mr. Benson Igonor, Mr. Lawrence Igonor, Mrs. Regina Igonor Okorodudu, Mrs. Josephine Igonor Olusakin, Mr. Emmanuel Igonor, and Mrs. Justina Igonor Nzekwe. Pius Ebayode Igonor is blessed with seven children: Lucky Odior Igonor, Thomas Omo Igonor, Mrs. Grace Ademakhe Ogedegbe, Professor Aiyegbeni Igonor, Dr. Godwin Emokhare Igonor, Pastor Patrick Agbomheire Igonor, and Bar. (Mrs.) Precious Emetsemhe Adejo. In the late 1940s, Raphael Nasamu Odior married his first wife, Angelina Agbapalo Odior (nee Igonor), in a Catholic Church. Their union was blessed with six children: Celina Ikhaluotse Odior, Ambrose Atsenokhai Odior, Gilbert Erelumhe Odior, Roseline Ayemhere Igbadumhe (Late), Joseph Asama Odior (Late), and Tessy Omonike Irueghe. Angelina is survived by four children, 11 stepchildren, 17 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. She worked tirelessly on the farms, supporting her husband to ensure all her children received an education and a quality life. She was a devoted Catholic Christian known for her gentle nature and kind words, which endeared her to the Nasamu family even after Raphael’s passing in August 2005. Angelina was a unifying figure among the Nasamu and Igonor descendants, her biological and stepchildren, occupying the role of a notable matriarch. Her love and care left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her, providing strength and courage in the face of life’s challenges. She expressed her love through prayer and was viewed not only as a mother figure but also as a friend and confidante by her in-laws. Angelina appreciated the beauty in nature and loved God and people. She was stylish, often dressing up and doing makeup, especially on Sundays, with the help of her daughter-in-laws and grandchildren. Dedicated and divinely inspired, Angelina spread happiness to all those she encountered. She would sit in front of the house to greet people returning from the hospital or farm, offering them medications, words of wisdom, and care. Her honesty, integrity, humility, purity of heart, and commitment to her family and community were exemplary. She was known for her peaceful nature, earning her the nickname “Orunomeh” from her mother-in-law. Her home was always open to all, and her hospitality made everyone feel valued. She treated everyone equally and never showed favoritism, even among her biological children. Her loving and motherly nature earned her the name she was fondly called by all, “Mama nokhua,” meaning grandmother to all. Her family feels blessed and grateful to have her as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. There are no words to express their gratitude for all she did for her family. She invested time, energy and her love on the family and community, enriching their lives with friendships, happiness, honor, wisdom, and love. She was a symbol of love and a pillar of strength. She was truly an altruistic being. Her family is deeply thankful to the Lord for her healthy and long life. She will be missed. Rest in peace, Mama, until the resurrection morning.

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BIOGRAPHY OF LATE MRS. COMFORT OMOKHALE OMOMOH ODIOR (NEE ILEGAH) (1939- JULY 8TH, 2023)

BIOGRAPHY OF LATE MRS. COMFORT OMOKHALE OMOMOH ODIOR (NEE ILEGAH) (1939- JULY 8TH, 2023) Comfort Omokhale Omomoh Odior, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, in-law, cousin, and friend, passed on to glory on July 8th, 2023. She was born into a traditional farming family in Ogbona, Nigeria, in 1937, to late Mr. Ilega Robinson Ovini and late Madam Abiba Ovini (Nee Agbayekha) of the Ilega family of Ogbona, Etsako Central L.G.A, Edo State. Omokhale, or Omomoh, as she was fondly called, was the fifth child and second daughter of a 13-member family, and she is an identical twin. Comfort spent her childhood in Ogbona with her aunt, the late Madam Eghomheka Iyawo Okozi (Nee Ovini), the father’s sister. As a young girl who was very hard-working at domestic and farm work, her mother and aunt were always fighting over her possessions. Comfort got married to late George Kadiri Odior in the early 1960s. She spent her early years of marriage in Lagos State with her husband. In 1976, Comfort relocated back to Ogbona with her husband after the death of her father-in-law, late Mr. Patrick Odior Okhoghiemhe, and then she worked as a trader and a farmer. Comfort was hilarious, full of life, and a woman of peace who genuinely cared about the welfare of others. She will be remembered for her unwavering commitment to her family, relatives, and friends. Her peaceful nature, generosity, and kindness touched the lives of many, and she will be missed more than words can express. She is survived by her loving children and step children, Maria Ogah, Ernest Simeon Odior, Johnson Odior, Beatrice Agbonoga and Kenneth Odior, Peter Odior, Anthony Odior, Patience Okozi and Victoria Awolowo. She is also survived by her twin sister, Mrs. Odior Esuana, and other sisters, brothers, and many extended family members. Grandchildren CHILDREN, GRANDCHILDREN AND GREAT GRANDCHILDREN Adorolo Loveth, Agbonoga Victory, Aleonohkua Godfrey, Aleonohkua Lovina, Amedu Blessing Oshayemie, Bello Mabel Charity Joy Odior Christabel Onoshiorere Odior Elliot Oshiobughie Odior Jessy Odior Jonathan Odior Omoyemhe Louis Odior shiomare Dante Odior Osikpemi Justin Odior Sharon Eshiemah Ogah Destiny Ogah Paulson Ogah Peace Ogah Victor Great-Grandchildren Adorolo Favour, Adorolo Faith, Adorolo Famous, Adorolo Frank Amedu Favour, Amedu Prince Amedu Promise Amedu Perfect Awo Jovnie Bello Anthonia Bello Flourish Victor Elora Victor Ethan Victor Excel Charity Wonderful

BIOGRAPHY OF LATE MRS. COMFORT OMOKHALE OMOMOH ODIOR (NEE ILEGAH) (1939- JULY 8TH, 2023) Read More »

Ogbona Senior secondary school is the first school with teams in both the male and female categories of the competition. 

Ogbona Senior secondary school girls football team lost their final match to Idia college (2-0)  in the second Edition of the EDO PEOPLE’S FORUM COMPETITION. Ogbona Senior secondary school is the first school with teams in both the male and female categories of the competition.  The  Ogbona Senior secondary school teams came out 3rd position in the boys category and 2nd in the girls category Congratulations to the teams, teachers, coaches and the community

Ogbona Senior secondary school is the first school with teams in both the male and female categories of the competition.  Read More »

A JOSEPH AKHANIAMHE ANAWEOKHAI, 1906 -1973 , THE FATHER I NEVER KNEW.

50 YEARS IN MIND PA JOSEPH AKHANIAMHE ANAWEOKHAI, 1906 -1973 , THE FATHER I NEVER KNEW. 24th July ,1973, will remain a red-letter day in the annals of my existence as my father, Pa Joseph Akhanimhe Anaweokhai boarded the celestial plane to live among saints. For many years, I struggled without retrain ,dug deep into the reveries of my inner being, plied ceaselessly through the recesses of my mental hub, stretched the elasticity of memory boundary, all to catch a glimpse of his face, much as I strained my tiny earlobes daily ,hoping to be jarred by his guttural voice, cleared my mind of cobwebs in readiness for fatherly admonitions ,waited eagerly to fall into his warm embrace with my school report card and to have my frayed nerved soothed by his coaxing fatherly counsel, of course, all to no avail. Yes, exercises in futility cum childish fantasies they were. The reality is that he is no more and painfully so, I have since learnt to live with that stark reality. That is not to say it was easy. It was by no means an easy task. Whenever we thumbed one another as children, some threatened to report me to their fathers. Did I have anyone to report to? Yes, my mother. However, such reiteration bred a bigger problem for me altogether. Namely, my father’s name became totally erased from my nomenclature and got replaced with my mothers’, ODIOR ABIKE before my peers. No peer of mine knew my father’s name. My surname, Anaweokhai, did not help matters as it completely obliterated my his name from the equation. Humanly speaking, is there any height in life I could have attained but for his early exit? The answer is capital NO. I told a group of friends sometimes ago with deep sense of responsibility that I owe my “success” in life to three factors: The grace of God, solid family background and a God fearing/supportive wife. Pa Joseph Akhaniamhe Anaweokhai was a visionary father per excellence who saw beyond the limiting scope of his immediate environment. Very early in life, he migrated from his agrarian community of Ogbona to the commercial city of Onitsha to ply his trade in commodities and to a great extent, accumulated both fortune and fame .He became a rally point to his immediate and extended friends and family members. He also broadened his horizon beyond trading by keying into adult education, spurred by Onitsha market literature, and became literate enough to read and write, a no mean feat in the 1950s and 60s. Apart from helping to support his sibling’s children in their life endeavors, he ensured his children, Chief Vital Anaweokhai and Pst Mrs Julie Inu Umoru were exposed to western education very early in their formative years too. A life transforming investments whose benefits rubbed off on the younger ones later in life in no small measures. Pa Joseph was a none conformist and disdainful iconoclast to the core. While girls were mostly seen as mere chattels and objects for producing children and as such ,undeserving of being wasted scarce resources on, Pa Joseph unapologetically broke with tradition and sent her only daughter ,Pst. Mrs Julie Inu Umoru to school in the 1940s. Another lifetime investment that completely changed the family narratives. In a nutshell, Pa Joseph’s foresight had a trickledown effect from Chief Vital Anaweokhai to my twin brother and I, the last born. If I didn’t have to struggle to pay my way through schools, from secondary school to post graduate studies levels ,it was because of the above foundation. If I made quick progress in business ,without any form of equivocation, it was strictly because of the said investment. On the appreciative page of my Ist degree Project,I did write MY JOURNEY THROUGH THE IVORY TOWER LIKE THE FRESH NEEDLE THROUGH A PIECE OF CLOTH WAS SO BECAUSE MY ELDER BROTHER,SIR ROMANUS AND HIS WIFE ,LADY AGNES ANAWEOKHAI SAID SO. If Sir Romanus saw farther than most men in all spheres of life, it is by standing on the shoulder of Pst.Mrs Julie Inu Umoru and if Pst Mrs Julie Inu Umoru was able to raise her younger ones ,it was on the basis of the sacrifice Chief Vital Anaweokhai made to see her through school. Dad, wherever you may be, I feel proud to have come into this world through your loins. If I have to come back to this world again and I am given a choice in the matter, I won’t hesitate a hoot to come here through your loins and of course ,to leverage your good legacy. Eramhe No’khai ,the family has expanded beyond what you would have imaged and blessed with good health ,long life and all round blessings. Your first son, Chief Vital will be 88 years old in October. A lot of grandchildren and great-grandchildren have been added to the family. Your only daughter, Pst.Mrs Julie inu Umoru is now a great grand mother, thus extending the bloodline. Sir Romanus ,Adolphus ,Omo and my humble self, have lived a humble and peaceful lives devoid of criminality. The seed of Christianity planted in the family by your elder brother,Pa Cletus Eshiemhomo Anaweokhai has grown to produce Rev .Father and Pastors. Your venture into business in the early 30s has snowballed into limited liability companies. Writing this piece without your attached picture is one of the most hallowing and disappointing experiences I have had in recent times. The stories are the same. ”When I relocated to my new place, I misplaced them” .The good thing is that all the sources have promised to swing into action and make them available in next to no distant time. Continue to rest in peace, Dad. We miss you daily. John Odior Anaweokhai ( Your Grown Banana Sucker)

A JOSEPH AKHANIAMHE ANAWEOKHAI, 1906 -1973 , THE FATHER I NEVER KNEW. Read More »

PROFILE OF JULIANA  EDOGAMHE OKHIPO

CONTINUATION OF OUR SERIES ON OGBONA MUSICIANS PROFILE OF JULIANA  OKHIPO Juliana Okhipo, is a Solo Artist with the Music Name J. Star. In this interview with ELIAS INAEDE MEDIA GROUP, She bares her mind on the prospects of Ogbona and other salient issues. Excerpts : Tell us about yourself, when you were born and to which family ? I was born into the family of Brendan Eragbe Edogamhe from Ogbona Ivhioche quarters on December 26th 1964. I currently resides in London in the United Kingdom, but I was born in Lagos and as a child,  I frequently travelled between Lagos and Ogbona where my Grandparents lived. I can speak several different languages from Igbo, Afemai and Yoruba. I also speak Hausa though it is quite rusty now and I have learnt some Fante (Ghanaian languages) through singing. My passion for Music has followed me throughout the years from being a lead Singer in my local church choir at the age of 5 to releasing my first Gospel Album “To Him The Glory Goes” in 2007 and “Lord You Are The Most High” in 2021. Can you tell us about your Educational background? I attended Ogbona Primary School and graduated at the Commercial Higher Institution in Lagos and completed an Issac Pickman course for shorthand typing. I then moved to the UK in 1989 to study law and qualified as a Barrister. What is the name of your band? I am a Solo Artist and go by the stage name J Star When did you begin your Music career ? I have always been a part of the Gospel music scene and throughout the years I would frequently be invited to sing at different Churches both in Nigeria and the UK. I officially started my music career in the late 90’s when I decided to devote my passion for God by praising Him through music. How many Albums have you waxed? I have one album  “To Him The Glory Goes” in 2007 and an EP “Lord You Are The Most High” in 2021. You can listen to them on any audio streaming platform like Apple Music and Spotify. You can also purchase a digital copy from Apple Music or a CD copy by reaching out to boxed.jewel@gmail.com. Which of the Albums that brought you to prominence ? Every project I have been involved in is important to me as I put a lot of hard work into it and my Praise and Worship always come from the heart. What is your advice to upcoming Artists? Let your passion lead you, don’t look for fame or fortune. One must always express gratitude to the most High, Be persistent and tenacious as it is a very tough industry. If at first you dont succeed, keep on trying. Don’t let nobody or negative opinions get you down or set you back as long as you believe in yourself and the Blessings God has installed in you and you will go far. How many children do you have I have four lovely children, Two boys and two girls who have blessed me with beautiful grandchildren . How do you see Ogbona in the near future? I see and hear a lot of positive changes being made in Ogbona. The late King,  William Idode was a great philanthropist rebuilding the Primary Health Center and Asama Primary School with the help of the awesome people of Ogbona. I am confident that the current Okphe-Ukpi will continue on the brilliant works. J Star Music Youtube: https://youtu.be/2-aUr5HTJ3o Apple: https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/j-star/1492323581 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7wNXWkQx79KVS5EaxYxePY?si=u39gaSCjQcyxtMc5acIstw

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MEET THE NEW OKPHE UKPI OF OGBONA SUB CLAN, CHIEF VINCENT AGBODEKHEMHE OTSOI

MEET THE NEW OKPHE UKPI OF OGBONA SUB CLAN, CHIEF VINCENT AGBODEKHEMHE OTSOI By Elias Inaede Chief Vincent Agbodekhemhe Otsoi was born on the 6th of June,1963 to the Family of Paul Amedu Otsoi and Mrs Elizabeth Omosi Otsoi. His Father hails from the Royal Family of Iyevhe of Ivhiomielele Quarter of Ogbona in the present Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State, while the Mother Mrs Elizabeth Omosi Otsoi from Isedu Agbugui’s family, Ivianopkodi, Egori, Etsako East local government area EARLY LIFE/EDUCATIONAL CAREER As a young promising boy, he attended Imhakhena Primary School, Ogbona from 1970 – 1976 for his Primary Leaving Certificate (PSLC) before proceeding to Esigie Teachers College, Abudu from 1978 to 1981 (TCD), University of Ibadan for his Associate Certificate in Education (ACE) in 1988 to 1989. In his quest to be grounded in his Educational Career, Mr Otsoi proceeded to the College of Education, Agbor, Delta State where he had his National Certificate in Education (NCE) from 1991 to 1994. Not satisfied with his level of Education he has attained, he proceeded further to the University of Calabar to study Environmental Economics where he had his Bachelor’s degree (BED) from 2003 to 2006 with Second Class Upper Division and was appointed as a Part -Time Lecturer at UNICAL for a year. He began his Career as a Teacher at Ebua Primary School, Iviebua, Agenebode in 1981 to 1989 and was later posted to Army Children School Barracks, Agenebode from 1989 to 1995, Atekhai Primary School, Ivhiukwe from 1995 to 2003, Anagwe Primary School, Edegbe (2003 to 2012, Okugbe Primary School, Ivhioghe (2012 – 2014 and posted to Aloaye Primary School, Igiode in 2014 to 2019 where he retired meritoriously from Service.. In 2014, he was called by his people (Eragbe Family) to hold the position of Egboise in trust for his Family which is the second position to Ukpi title after the demise of Late Chief Michael Umole due to his contributions to the unity and development of Ogbona Community and as a result of his clean record while in active Service.. He was received and accepted in the Palace by the late Okphe Ukpi of Ogbona Sub Clan, HRH, Chief Willy Idode of blessed memory.The Egboise graduated to Ukpi Drummer in accordance with Avhianwu custom and tradition on the 5th of January, 2023. SOCIAL ACTIVITIES He is the Chairman of Eghietsemhe Age Group of 1977 till date Chairman of Ogbona/Imiava Reconciliation Committee Past Assistant Secretary, Ogbona Federated Union (OFU) 2006-. 2010 Chairman, Ogbona Esi Days (2001 till date) Current Okphe Ukpi of Ogbona (5th January till date) RELIGIOUS LIFE Chief Vincent Agbodekhemhe Otsoi can easily be referred to as the “Church Man”. Right from early age, he has been a dedicated Member of the Catholic Faith. He is a Member of many Religion Organizations. Member, Catholic Church Council, Iviebua , Agenebode (1986) Member, Association of Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary till date Financial Secretary, Catholic Men Organization (CMO) 2007 Member, St. Philomina Catholic Church, Upland Agenebode (2014) Laity Secretary, St. Philomina Catholic Church, Agenebode (2014- 2016) It will interest you to know that under his rulership, Ogbona Community has witnessed many developmental achievements including Settlement of land disputes in the Community, Maintenance of Peace, unity and cooperation among his Subjects Perimeter Fencing of Oboarekpe Primary School, Ogbona Construction of 5 Chamber Toilets at Imhakhena Primary School, Ogbona by the Edo State Government after his installation as the Okphe Ukpi of Ogbona and repair of Boreholes by Ogbona Elites Forum (OEF) Chief Vincent Agbodekhemhe Otsoi is a responsible Family man. He is happily married to Mrs. Faith Efoamemhe Otsoi from the Royal Family of Late HRH Patrick Oboarekpe. The marriage is blessed with Five Children.

MEET THE NEW OKPHE UKPI OF OGBONA SUB CLAN, CHIEF VINCENT AGBODEKHEMHE OTSOI Read More »

BIOGRAPHY OF MR SULEIMAN MUSTAFA (BAND LEADER, DEEPMAN ENTERTAINMENT

BIOGRAPHY OF MR SULEIMAN MUSTAFA (BAND LEADER, DEEPMAN ENTERTAINMENT By  Elias Inaede Mr Suleiman Mustafa was born on 22nd January, 1984 to the Family of Oyarekhua of  Ivhioche Quarter of Ogbona in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State. He attended Oboarekpe  Primary School, Ogbona,  for his Primary School Leaving Certificate and proceeded  to Ogbona Secondary  School, Ogbona  where he  Obtained  his Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC). He had his Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration (BPA) from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State. He is Popularly called Mr. Solft by his Fans, Friends and Admirers. He is the Band Leader of Deepman Entertainment. He started his Music carree in 2010  from North Africa (Morocco). He has produced many online Albums and about to release the hard copy this year 2023. One of the hit tracks that has brought him to prominence is Change Your Ways,. The video of the song  can be gotten on YouTube. He sees Music as a hobby.  He is a good Songs Composer who has carved a niche for himself in the Entertainment Industry Mr Suleiman Mustafa will  be remembered for the music he has used to promote humanity and  his  community.   As a Man who is determined to leave an indelible mark in the history of his community, Mr. Mustafa posited that in the nearest future, Ogbona will be a great community in Afemai Land. He asserted that  prayer and commitment from Ogbona Sons and Daughters will bring more  progress and development to the community. He is happily married to his beautiful heartrobe, Mrs  Juwerat  Mustafa . lMr. Mustafa sued for peace, unity and cooperation among Ogbona Sons and Daughters to see a glorious and better Ogbona  to reshape the future of the children of the community.

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Farewell to A Great King, Late Chief Willy Idode, Okphe Ukpi and Head Ogbona Sub Clan (1959- 2022)

Farewell to A Great King, Late Chief Willy Idode, Okphe Ukpi and Head Ogbona Sub Clan (1959- 2022) By Elias Inaede It was a life so beautifully lived to promote unity rooted in deep love, humanity, growth and development for his people. The Memories of the Late King, Chief William Uloko Idode, the immediate past Okphe Ukpi and Sub Clan Head of Ogbona will remain an indelible footprint for generation yet unborn judging from the quality leadership which he provided for his people during his reign. The Final burial ceremony of Late Chief Willy Idode indeed, showcased the success story of a selfless king whose reign attracted peace, unity and progress to the indigenous people of Ogbona Community. Late Chief Willy Idode was a strong pillar of the arts, Culture and tradition of the people of Ogbona Community. Indeed, the Black Race has lost a Titan in the person of HRH William Idode. Born on 4th April, 1959 to the Family of Mr. Momodu Ojakpa Idode and Mrs Lametu Amiunomhene Idogho both of Ivhiobore Quarter of Ogbona. He was a Peace Loving King, a Unifier and a Beacon of hope to those who came around him as His contributions to humanity were highly acclaimed. He died at a time His Royal advice and guidance was most needed by the People of Ogbona Community. There is no doubt about the fact that the final burial ceremony was remarkable in the memories of the people of the community who came out enmasse in honour of a King whose positive footprint in the community would stand the test of time. Expectedly, the Final burial Ceremony of Late Chief Willy Idode was an opportunity for reunion by Family members, Friends, Well Wishers and Schoolmates of the Late King who came to pay the last respect to the King in view of the tremendous achievements and growth under the rulership. He was able to restore orderliness and peace in the community as a result of his exemplary leadership qualities that has endeared him to the heart of the people of the community. Guests at the ceremony that took place on 23rd December, 2022 at the Ogbona Secondary School Field, Ogbona, were treated to a lavish reception with a reknowned Music Legend, King Benji Igbadumhe trilling the Visitors with sole touching melodious numbers. Late Chief Willy Idode was an exceptional traditional Ruler of inestimable value and a God-fearing Man whose death till date has created a huge vacuum in the community and whose role in uniting and strengthening the community would be greatly missed. This was the testimony given by the Oghianviawu of Avianwu HRM Chief Jackson Etokhana in his speech. He also admonished the Ogbona Community of the due process to install a new King which must not be undermined. In like manner, “the Egboise” Second in Command of the Community Chief Vincent Otsoi also enumerated the virtues of the late king as a Unifier, kind, selfless and truthful. Extolling the rare qualities of his father, the Son of the Deceased Mr. Aloaye Idode in his tribute, described his father as an exceptional man, a great father, a role model and a true symbol of a man who contributed his quota selflessness to the growth of the family, community and humanity. According to Aloaye, the Deceased was a hardworking man, a Disciplinarian, a God-fearing man, an Exemplar and a resourceful man whose valuable services would be greatly missed. His World rolled along like a song. The deceased was an effective and compassionate Ruler and a pragmatic Christian who would be remembered for his legacies and contributions to mankind. Chief Idode stood on the truth to administer justice to all irrespective of age, political, economic, social and academic status without fear or favour. He was never afraid to speak the truth regardless the parties involved. His love for Ogbona community was without rival. His influence was in every aspect of the community, primary and secondary education, scholarships for the indigents and proper running of the schools including recruiting teachers. He touched the medical institutions, Markets, Security, governance and peace in the community. This was remarked by the Funeral Organizing Committee Chairman Mr. John Odior Anaweokhai in his welcome address. His reign brought about the abrogation of some cultural practices of gender discrimination against women especially on matters of inheritance and the transformation of the annual New Yam Festival into an occasion of sharing with the needy and community annual day of thanksgiving. HRH, Late Willy Uloko Idode took ill sometimes 2021. This he was able to manage until early 2022 when the required cost of treatment became so huge for him to bear alone. As a king loved by everyone, the community at large through the following various development groups, Ogbona Federated Union, Ogbona Elite Forum, Ogbona Youth Forum, Age Groups and other notable persons from in and outside the Ogbona community made the needed contributions of funds for his treatment. This treatment took place in various specialist hospitals within Nigeria. UBTH Benin City, Lagos, Irua Specialist Hospital Irua, Edo State and several hospitals in Abuja. He finally passed on at home and was immediately buried according to Avianwu Royal Tradition on the 5th October, 2022. After the burial, the Palace set up a committee of eminent sons and daughters of Ogbona to plan for a befitting funeral for the late Opke- Ukpi. Membership of this committee which was chaired by John Odior Anaweokhai cut across the late king’s immediate family, the Ogbona Palace Chiefs, Ogbona Elite Forum and Ogbona Youth Forum. This committee was further de-centralized into sub-committees for proper coordination. The committee raised fund once more from both within and outside the community for the funeral which finally took place on the 23rd December, 2022. The well-coordinated occasion was also well attended by college of dignitaries that cut across traditional leaders, politicians, business magnates, age groups, Okada Ride Ogbona association, various churches etc. Late Chief Willy Idode died at the age of 63

Farewell to A Great King, Late Chief Willy Idode, Okphe Ukpi and Head Ogbona Sub Clan (1959- 2022) Read More »

BIOGRAPHY OF MR JOSEPH ESIBOR

CONTINUATION OF OGBONA MUSICIANS BIOGRAPHY OF MR JOSEPH ESIBOR By Elias Inaede Mr Joseph Esibor was born on 25 August, 1970 to the Family of Mr ESIBOR from Ivhioche Quarter of Ogbona in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State. He attended Oboarekpe Primary School, Ogbona, for his Primary School Leaving Certificate and proceeded to Ayogwiri Grammar School, Ayogwiri and finished at Prudence Comprehensive Secondary School, Ogbona where he Obtained his Secondary School Leaving Certificate in 2007. He began his Music Career in the past twenty 20 years as a Choir Master at the Catholic Church, Ogbona. He was also a Choir Master of Ogbona Christian Association of Nigeria for about 15 years. He is the Band Leader of “Voice of Salvation Kings Band”. He sees Music as a hobby. He has waxed two Albums to the Glory of God and to his credit. He is a good Songs Composer who has carved a niche for himself. Mr. Joseph Esibor will be remembered for the music he has used to promote the Kingdom of God, his community and humanity. As a Man who is determined to leave an indelible mark in the history of his community, Mr. Esibor predicted that in the nearest future, Ogbona will be a great community in Afemai Land due to the prayers and commitment of Ogbona Sons and Daughters both at home and in Diaspora. He is happily married to Mrs Felicia Esibor from Ivhido Quarter of Ogbona. The marriage is blessed with Five Children. Four Boys and One Girl. He urged all Ogbona Sons and Daughters to continue to pray, cooperate and work in unity to see a glorious and better Ogbona Mr Esibor urged upcoming Gospel Musicians to be committed to the callings irrespective of the challenges and also do things that can promote humanity.

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BIOGRAPHY OF MRS CATHERINE ASHETU ALUOGHOR

CONTINUATION OF OGBONA MUSICIANS BIOGRAPHY OF MRS CATHERINE ASHETU ALUOGHOR By Elias Inaede Mrs Catherine Ashetu Aluoghor was born in 1942 to the family of Isunevho from Ivhioche Quarter of Ogbona in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State.. She is the Band Leader of Atsoghole Cultural Dance Band of Ogbona. Though she has no formal education, she has used her music to advance the progress of Ogbona community. In her quest to leave a lasting legacy in the history of the Ogbona community, Mrs Ashetu Aluoghor has waxed two Albums and and one of the Albums is Oboreoye meaning the destination of the Youths. According to her, Oboreoye track brought her to prominence in the community. One of her major outings was at Otorokhile in South Ibie Clan of Etsako West Local Government Area. The Octogenarian called for the sustainance of the unity and cooperation existing amongst Ogbona Sons and Daughters. Mrs Ashetu Aluoghor commended the various Socio-cultural Organizations in Ogbona community for their contributions to the growth and development of the community. She prayed Almighty God to grant the soul of the immediate past traditional Ruler of the community, HRH William Idode eternal rest for his exemplary leadership qualities that have brought transformation to Ogbona. Mrs Ashetu Aluoghor has Nine Children

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