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History and Culture of Ogbona

History and culture of Ogbona and Avhianwu Clan

THE OGBONA THAT FLOWS IN MY VEINS BY DEACON JOHN ODIOR ANAWEOKHAI

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John Odior Anaweokhai, CEO of Paragon Oil Nig. Ltd and Secretary General, Ogbona Elites Forum John Odior Anaweokhai was born into the Catholic family of Pa Joseph Akhaniamhe Anaweokhai of Ivhiosano kindred, Ivhiochie Quarters and Mrs. Victoria Abike Anaweokhai nee Ikhumhi of Ivhianaga kindred, Okotor quarters both of Ogbona, Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State. He attended Imhakhena Primary School from 1975 to 1982 and Ogbona Secondary School from 1982 to 1987. He obtained BA Hons English from Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma in 1997, and Post Graduate Diploma in Management, PGDM, University of Calabar in 2002 and Masters in Business Administration MBA, Lagos State University in 2004. He is married to Engr. Mrs. Esther Anaweokhai and is the Chief Executive Officer of Paragon Oil Nig. Ltd, player in the downstream sector of the Oil and Gas Industry in Nigeria. THE OGBONA THAT FLOWS IN MY VEINS (PART 1) It was an 8-bed room apartment with a big sitting room which served more as store and passage than parlour. The veranda was long and spacious overlooking layers of mounded blocks. Between the layer of blocks and veranda was a big playground where we did our kindergarten chores. There was no electricity, save for the seasonal brightness of the moon which was always short live, it was always dark at night.is this why the quarter was so named? Sandwiched between Ivhiochie and Okotor quarters, is Iviebi quarter, which means, Children of darkness. Thank God, I’m now a child of light, my first known point of contact with the outside world in the height of the Nigeria civil war. On the left side of our compound was the Ako family. Eramha Ako was tall, huge and spotlessly white with sparkly grey beards to the bargain, a reflection of the image of God I had created in my fictional universe. He had this magical aural that magnetised us to him. He had a deep baritone voice that instilled fear and commanded obedience. Everything about him radiated honour and grandeur. He had a large family and everybody called him Tata. I don’t really know what that means. His grandson, Dairus, was my childhood friend. THE OGBONA THAT FLOWS IN MY VEINS (PART 2) Behind the Ako family was the Anetekhai family. But between them was a small hut inhabited by Mr. Anugho and his family. Anugho was dark in complexion, always taciturn with an intimidating physique. He had this terror inspiring look in his eyes and with all sense of modesty, a bit queer and uncanny in his disposition. Unfortunately, he died at his prime. His first son, Oghie was my friend though we have not seen for over thirty-five years now. The Anetekhai family were proud owner of one of the three upstairs in Iviebi Quarters. Eramha Anetekhai was the head of the family. He was old and lanky but with bad sight. He was always seated in front of the upstairs overlooking the Inaede compound, few metres away from the Agbepue compound. Eramha Anetekhai was a good story teller with an acidic sense of humour. He was reputed to have said that he missed life on both fronts. As a young man he was always counselled to wait for his turn. Then, elders were held in awe and honour. Unfortunately, when he came of age, the educated youths took the front seats with the elders relegated to the background. The Anetekhais had expertise in the meddling of broken bones.one of the children who was based at Ikabigbo made a success of the trade. I have my doubt if any of them still ply the trade at home since the death of his first son, Eramha Momoh. There are two experiences about the family I will take to my grave, namely, my first miracle. There was this Alfa who was treating Eramha Anetekhai for his poor vision. All of a sudden, we had that Eramha Anetekhai had regained his sight and to prove this, he went around the whole village unaided. Again, I saw an empty casket for the first time under the roof of his veranda. On enquiry, we were told that he was once sick at the point of death.in fact, it was concluded he would not survive and the children did not want to be taken unaware and as fate would have it, he survived many years. So, Eramha Anetekhai was one of the few people that had the privilege of seeing their caskets while alive. The last son, Francis Ighiegbai was my class mate and he is also my age mate. THE OGBONA THAT FLOWS IN MY VEINS (PART 3) Behind my father’s bed room was an underground tank with projected cover. Still on the rear side of the main building and directly opposite the exit door of our general parlour was another underground tank. It was a common sight then as water was a very a big issue especially during the dry seasons. There was no borehole anywhere. Ugbadeghie or Ekhaebade streams were the closest sources of water. It was not surprising that everything humanly possible was done to store water but how well that need was met is another issue altogether as most of the water was exhausted in the height of the dry season. On the left side of the second tank was a six-bed room bungalow that also served as kitchen. It shared common boundary with Eramha Basel Alabi’s compound. Eramha Basel lived with his two wives, children and younger brother, Didi. Initially, I thought Didi was his son probably because of the age disparity, though they looked strikingly different both in appearance and substance. While Eramha Basel was brief, vivacious and boisterous with native intelligence, Didi was tall, a bit muscular and somewhat reserved. Ordinary, they lived happily as brothers but with the benefit of insight, they at best, tolerated each other. After some time Didi built His house and relocated with his family. Eramha Basel was jovial and friendly. Then, tongues started

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OGBONA IMHAKHENA ASAMA FEDERATED UNION GENERAL SECRETARY’S REPORT (1987-2004) CHIEF MATTHIAS A AKPAIBOR

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OGBONA IMHAKHENA ASAMA FEDERATED UNION GENERAL SECRETARY’S REPORT (1987-2004) CHIEF MATTHIAS A AKPAIBOR It gives me great a pleasure to present to the Union this day, this report of my seventeen years in Office as the General Secretary of Ogbona Imhakhena Asama Federated Union. I hereby thank the entire community, both at home and abroad, for the opportunity given me to serve. I took over this office when it was at its infancy and I had little or nothing to start with the co-operation of the first, second and third Presidents, Chief A. O. Itsuokor, Chief T. A. Osigbemhe JP. The Okphe-Ukpi of Ogbona and Arc. J.E.A Orbih respectively the union started growing from strength to strength. The Union was formed in 1976 with Protem Officers as Chief A. O. Itsuokor – President, Mr. G. I. Kadiri – Secretary and Chief M.A. Akpaibor as the Asst. Gen. Secretary.  A constitution committee headed by Mr. P. S. Eleta was set up. The Draft Constitution was submitted in1982 and was adopted and passed into law in the same year. The first Union executive council members were elected into the following offices:- President                        –        Chief A. O. Itsuokor       –        Lagos Branch Vice President                 –        Mrs. S. A. Anetekhai      –        Benin Branch General Secretary          –        Dr. J. E. Umole              –        Benin Branch 1st Asst. Gen. Secretary –        Chief M. A. Akpaibor      –        Warri Branch 2nd Asst. Gen. Secretary –        Mr. P. Osigbemhe           –        Ibadan Branch Treasurer                       –        Okhaemoi P. S. Eleta     –        Auchi Branch Financial Secretary        –        Mr. M. G. Enakpene       –        Auchi Branch Publicity Secretary         –        Sir P. M. Anaweokhai     –        Lagos Branch Social Secretary             –        Mr. R. A. Edogamhe       –        Benin Branch Legal Adviser                  –        Chief C. A. Ekhasemomhe       Kaduna Branch Ex-Officers                     –        Mr. M. Asapokhai           –        Kano Branch “                            –        Mr. A. Oghena                –        Ile Ife Branch “                            –        Okhaemoi J. Edogamhe           Ogbona Branch “                            –        Mr. A. Oyagha                –        Warri Branch “                            –        Mr. J. I. Odior                –        Ogbona Branch Patrons                          –        Chief J. O. Odalumhe    –        Ogbona Branch “                            –        Mr. Francis Asekomhe   –        Ogbona Branch “                            –        Pa. Abu Idinokhai          –        Ogbona Branch “                            –        Pa. Odia Ikhane             –        Ogbona Branch “                            –        Pa Aleghe Orbih             –        Ogbona Branch   Ogbona was elected to be the Headquarter of the Union and it was agreed that the name of the Union should be known as “OGBONA IMHAKHENA FEDERATED UNION”. The financial branch unions were eight comprising, Auchi, Benin, Ibadan, Ile-Ife, Kaduna, Kano, Lagos and Warri while the home body was dragging their feet over the name of the union. We are grateful to God today as the number has increased from eight branch members to ten branch members including the home branch, Abuja, Ilorin. Port-Harcourt branch which was one of the recent registered branches, is neither here nor there for reasons best known to them. The aims and objectives of the Union were well spelt out in the 1982 constitution. After one year in office, the General Secretary declined his post and I was appointed to act which I did for one year before I was appointed for the post of the General Secretary in 1985. When I took over the office, the financial branch members still remained eight. The home which supposed to be the headquarters was still doubting whether to accept the name or to stay away because of the name. Then the financial position was very poor. The only main avenue for funding was the monthly subscriptions from the eight branches of the Union. The attendance of the executive council meetings was encouraging expect some branches whose members were not regular, mainly Ile-Ife and Kano. These two branches claimed that they always received letters late. After normalizing their postal addresses, the Ile-Ife branch complained that their members were new converts and that they would not accept the name “Ogbona Imhakhena Union” The Kano branch of the Union complained that due to frequent riots in Kano for the past years, they could not form any useful union. Recently, they informed the federated bodies that they had re-organized and would act fully Ile-Ife remains dormant till date. The union could not achieve any meaningful development during these years till 1986 because it embarked on reconciliation of the two factions that were Asama and Abokhasomhi unions, which were formed because of the Chieftaincy dispute in the community. The Ogbona Imhakhena Federated Union called on them to allow the Chieftaincy matter take its cause and form a development union. That is what the Federated Union stands for in order to have a coon front which the community can channel their problems through to the government for meaningful development of the community. This took the Federated Union time but those who saw what the union stands for were carried along by the union while those who believed that their cause had to be met remained still battling with their Chieftaincy cases. As at today, all these are history as Ogbona Imhakhena Asama Federated Union break the ice and unite the whole factions together and brought them to the popular body both home and abroad. At the 1987 Annual Conference, the National Executive Council of Ogbona Imhakhena Federated Union was dissolved and there was an election where the following members were elected:- President                        –        Chief T. A. Osigbemhe JP        –        Benin Branch Vice President                –        Sir P. M. Anaweokhai              –        Lagos Branch General Secretary          –        Chief M. A. Akpaibor               –        Warri Branch 1st Asst. Gen Secretary   –        Mr. R. A. Edogamhe                 –        Auchi Branch 2nd Asst. Gen. Secretary –        Mr. D. Akhamiemhona            –        Ibadan Branch Treasurer                       –        Okhaemoi P. S. Eleta               –        Auchi Branch Financial Secretary        –        Chief P. S. Anyiador                –        Benin Branch Asst. Fin. Secretary        –        Mr. M. Asapokhai                    –        Kano Branch Publicity Secretary         –        Mr. G. I. Kadiri                        –        Auchi Branch Social Secretary             –        Mr. P.C.I Okhakumhe             

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THE SEARCH FOR DRINKABLE WATER IN OGBONA BY ALFRED ENETOMHE IDODE AND JOHN ODIOR ANAWEOKHAI

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THE SEARCH FOR DRINKABLE WATER IN OGBONA BY ALFRED ENETOMHE IDODE AND JOHN ODIOR ANAWEOKHAI The search for drinking water in Ogbona community over the years and a brief history of how we used to source water for our daily use was put together by two of our best historians, Alfred Enetomhe Idode and John Odior Anaweokhai. Commentaries provided by Gilbert Odior HISTORY OF THE SEARCH FOR WATER AT OGBONA – ALFRED ENETOMHE IDODE In the days of yore, water scarcity was a huge problem in Avhianwu clan and Afemai Division. The people made great efforts at providing water during the seasons i.e. dry and raining seasons. In raining season, people would gather water from different sources like; a) erosion water–Ame Okpho b) Grass Roof water–Ame Egaah c) Date palm leaf (Obe owo)–Ame Okwui Only “Ame Okpho” was then purified by sprinkling a quantity of ashes into the storage pots and the red muddy water would be purified like water gathered from the roof top. Some used Alum which was costlier to purify water. In the dry season, only a few of the streams survived the long dry season. This was how our people suffered serious deficits of good drinking water long time ago. EFFORTS OF THE COLONIAL AUTHORITY In 1946, the colonial authority constructed and built Native Authority School with the first underground tank in Ogbona to store water for the use of the headmaster during the dry season whose official residence was within the school area. In 1952, the colonial authority sent a British engineer Mr. Cockhead in search of a suitable site to drill an industrial borehole for Avhianwu clan. He came to Ogbona with his team and inspected Ukwue Ivhianaga and left for Fugar to search for suitable site too. He later settled for a site in Fugar (Ukwue Ulumhoghie). Some of the children born in Ogbona that period were named after Engr. Cockhead. In 1960, the Western Region Government sent a team of water resources personnel to Ogbona for Industrial borehole possible site. This team was headed by an Israeli Engineer, Engineer A.K.A COMEEHERE because he could not speak ENGLISH. He drilled a borehole at Ogbona in the compound of Eramha John Anasaikhi Odogbo. This Israeli Engineer “Comeehere” did a good job; he struck a good mass of water at a reasonable depth. This borehole project was to cost the Western Regional Government a sum of £165,000 pounds. It was to serve Ogbona, Iraokhor, Apana, Fugar and Aviodo villages. This borehole was to produce 75,000 gallons of water per hour, and the chemical analysis of the water was done and passed okay. Above was privileged information on this issue years ago, courtesy of some concerned Avhianwu citizens who tried in vain to arouse the interest of Admiral Okhai Mike Akhigbe on the project with the documents during the military government era. This project became abandoned after the Midwest Region opted out of the West through a plebiscite in August 1963. The Midwest Regional Government was not interested in the project. I believe this borehole is still very much alive and needs evaluation and resuscitation. SELF HELP EFFORTS BETWEEN 1965 AND LATE SEVENTIES As the housing in Ogbona changed from mud houses and grass roof to block houses and Zinc roof, people of Ogbona started building individual underground tanks in their respective houses – all aimed at solving the perennial water problem. The water collects in the underground tanks during the raining season for use throughout the year. DFRRI BOREHOLE Efforts of Dr. John Besiru Idode the then Director, DFFRI Bendel State gave Ogbona people their first sustainable borehole. This borehole was sunk at the watershed of “Ekhaebade”, it was meant to run all the year round before “local issues” started to affect it shortly after its commission in 1987 …. By Alfred Enetomhe Idode OGBONA WATER BOREHOLE & THE BROKEN JINX – JOHN ODIOR ANAWEOKHAI Until 1987 when Dr. J.B Idode in his capacity as The Director General of The Directorate for Food & Rural Infrastructure, a parastatal established by the Gen. Ibrahim Babangida’s administration, sank the first borehole in Ogbona, all preceding efforts in that direction proved abortive. The need to have easy and cost effective alternative source of water was a great concern to everybody because of the challenge water scarcity posed to the entire community especially during the dry seasons. The primary and nearest sources of water during dry seasons were the numerous streams that were contiguous to Ogbona lands, unfortunately, they were very far from the community. Getting water from any of the streams was not an easy task. Apart from the distance, there were other challenges that one had to brave on the way. As a matter of fact, no stream is less than 7 kilometers away from home and the hills that awaited one on the way was another story altogether. It was as if nature had conspired with an invincible hand through an ungentlemanly agreement to locate all the streams in rough and rugged terrains, all to the disadvantage of our people. There were Ekhaebade, Avhieda, Edaoghiator, Ukpuwaezi, Okokotoko, Aduegbegai, Olomhe ‘gbe and others. Though there were several of them, Ugbadeghie was arguably the most popular and patronized. Yes, Ugbadeghie. This is because Avhieda which was a stone throne from home was said to be very unreliable. It could barely serve three people at a time.  Ugbadeghie which is a bit closer, compare to Ekhabade, had a snag, its route is ridden with steep hills and deep valleys. Jerrycan is a latter-day occurrence as people happily made do with the calabash gourd. Sometimes on the way back, the calabash would develop leakages but all that needed to done was to get a broom stick from any available dried palm leaves and stuck it into the tiny hole and that was it. The worst thing that could happen to anyone then was to have the misfortune of a broken calabash and the resultant spill. Such victim would come

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BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN TEACHING HOSPITAL, COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CENTRE, OGBONA BY DR. FELIX ORBIH AND GILBERT ODIOR

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BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN TEACHING HOSPITAL, COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CENTRE, OGBONA, NOW CHIEF M.C.K ORBIH COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CENTRE, OGBONA BY DR. FELIX ORBIH AND GILBERT ODIOR It will be difficult to understand the relationship or connection between UBTH and this great educationist and worthy son of Ogbona without a peep into the political antecedent of the man Chief Michael Clement Kadiri ORBIH. Chief MCK equipped himself with a Grade iii Teachers Certificate in 1946, followed by Grade II Teachers’ Certificate in 1948 in the same institution -St John Bosco’s Teachers’ Training College, Ubiaja. He had a very rewarding Teaching career with many of the students who passed through his tutelage as their headmaster in Primary Schools or their Principal at the Blessed Martins Secondary Modern School, Jattu. Uzairue, are now old Professors and distinguished professionals in various fields of human endeavours.  He made his foray into politics in 1954 when he contested and won the election to  represent his Clan at the Etsako District Council at Auchi as headquarters, on the platform of the National Council of Nigeria and Cameroun (N.C.N.C)  Party, led by Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe.  In 1957, he attended the Institute of Administration, Ahmadu Bello University. Zaria, where he obtained the Certificate in Local Government Administration. Towards the end of the British Colonial era, the Pre-Independence years (1956-1959), Chief MCK Orbih, acceding to the yearnings of his people, joined the Action Group (A.G) Party, under the leadership of Chief Obafemi Awolowo from Ikenne, Western Region of Nigeria. In 1957, Chief Orbih was appointed a member of the Western Region’s Advisory Board of Education. On December 12, 1959, Chief MCK Orbih took the big plunge into the vast National political landscape. He contested and won the Federal Elicitation into the House of Representative in Lagos on the Platform of A.G Party, thus becoming the youngest Member of Parliament (M.P) in the House, at Nigeria’s Independence on October I, 1960.  For five years, he represented his people of Afenmai Constituency well.  From his brilliant contributions to debates on the floor of the House, he left no one in doubt that his main reason for being in politics was for the socio-economic development of his people and country.  In and outside Parliament, the young and ebullient Honourable MCK exhibited his attributes of a man of strong and selfless character and infectious amity. With the first Nigerian Military Coup that overthrew the civilian government of Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, on January 15, 1966, the political glamour of the First Republic was over and many politicians went underground while some fled the Country, but Chief Orbih like few others, and went back to his roots to continue his continue his private business among his people unmolested. After a long period of Military interregnum (from 1966, which included counter coups, change of governments, three years civil war and post- war reconstruction; the ban on political activities was lifted. Chief MCK Orbih became one of the founding Leaders of the National Party of Nigeria NPN)-one of the few new major political parties registered to contest elections for the Second Republic. The National Party of Nigeria, NPN presented Alhaji Shehu Shagari as its Presidential flag bearer while the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) and the Nigeria’s Peoples Party (NPP) presented Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe respective flag bearers. A confident, courageous, an experienced political motivator, mobilizer and experienced organizer that he was, Chief Orbih decided to return to Parliament by contesting on the platform of NPN in the new elections scheduled for middle of 1979. MCK was fully aware he was going to run against his former Party its Flag bearer, then the Presidential flag bearer of the new Party UPN in the new political dispensation. As a well-known loyal and dedicated party leader, Chief Orbih with other leaders campaigned vigorously not only for his candidacy in his Constituency but also throughout the State for the NPN’s Gubernatorial and Presidential Flagbearers for the State and Country respectively. Election Day came. Voters, turnout was massive and impressive. Field report indicated that MCK. Obviously adjudged the most popular candidate, was coasting home to a very comfortable victory over his main opponent. The result from his constituency, which was awaited with keen interest was delayed for nearly 24 hours; by the time the results were announced the following day, the National Election Commission (NECO), declared MCK Orbih the “loser”, with their figures allegedly concocted by the known chief collating officer and chief returning officer from the area, to the chagrin and consternation of teeming NPN supporters who were spoiling for War. He told them to be peaceful and “leave things to God who knows best.” MCK would insist that Politics should not lead to the flow of human blood; if it does, it is no longer Politics but War! In the final analysis, Ambrose Ali, a Professor of Morbid Anatomy at University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).  won as the UPN Governor of Bendel State. Alhaji Shehu Shagari of the NPN, won the Presidency with very impressive showing against Chief Obafemi Awolowo, even in Bendel State. On October 1, 1979 Alhaji Shehu Shagari was sworn in as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in a handing-over ceremony by the Military Government of General Olusegun Obasanjo. Early in June 1980, the appointment of Chief MCK Orbih as Chairman of UBTH. Management Board was made, with others. The inauguration and first general meeting of the Boards of all the 10 Federal Teaching Hospitals at that time was held in Lagos under the Honourable Minister of Health in Lagos on 13th June 1980. In an official Congratulatory message to Chief MCK Orbih on his appointment, President Shehu Shagari, on 17th June 1980 wrote: “I feel particularly delighted to congratulate you on your appointment as Chairman of University of Benin Teaching Hospital. While you may not know it, your unsung attributes were more than sufficient to have secured you this responsible and demanding post. It was not

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HISTORY OF OGBONA COMMUNITY SECONDARY SCHOOL, OGBONNA BY ALFRED IDODE AND JOHN ANAWEOKHAI

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  HISTORY OF OGBONA COMMUNITY SECONDARY SCHOOL, OGBONNA BY ALFRED IDODE AND JOHN ANAWEOKHAI Ogbona Community Secondary School was one of the projects solely conceived, funded and established by Ogbona Imhakhena Federated Union. The school started out as Ogbona Community Secondary School but later the word community was dropped from its name. The school is now referred to as OGBONA SECONDARY SCHOOL, OGBONNA 4TH OGBONA IMHAKHENA FEDERATED UNION CONFERENCE 1978 At the 4th conference held at the Imhakhena Primary School, Ogbona March 25th-26th 1978, serious discussions were held on the government requirements for establishing a secondary school: – Name, Site, Number of classroom blocks and many other preliminary arrangements that would quicken government approval for secondary school. After a thorough discussion on the issue, the conference unanimously agreed that since money would be needed to achieve any stage of the project, it should be wise to think of how and where to get the funds first. Decisions arrived at were: – Imposition of a grammar school levy on all Ogbona sons/daughters home and abroad. OIFU Lagos branch was mandated to work out a tabulated, convenient and meaningful levy to get started on the project. That defaulters would be denied access to performing, Okhei, marriage and burial ceremonies at Ogbona. Set up a committee at Ogbona to sanction defaulters etc. 5TH OGBONA IMHAKHENA FEDERATED UNION CONFERENCE 1979 November 11, 1979 another conference was held at Ogbona Imhakhena primary school to ratify the proposed Grammar School levy for Home and abroad. GRAMMAR SCHOOL LEVY FOR ABROAD Was already circulated by Lagos to branches and individuals since 28th April 1978 (see enclosures) GRAMMAR SCHOOL LEVY – HOME Was fixed as follows Every taxable adult and from the age group of Ifaorumhe (Obotsemeghie Age group) down to the youngest, should pay Men         –  Nl5 Women – N10 (From same age group) since the home   people were to be involved in direct labour of the project. GRAMMAR SCHOOL FUND BOARD OF TRUSTEES A three-man board of Trustees was then approved and appointed to operate and manage the grammar school fund. Chairman – Chief V.A Omadimhe, Treasurer-Mr. P.A Obeakemhe and Secretary – Mr. P.S.  Eleta Resolutions to enable board of trustees operate an account with the Barclays Bank, Auchi, (now Union Bank) were to be drawn up by OIFU, Lagos. OIFU, Auchi reported that the SCHOOL PROJECT RECEIPTS had been printed and ready for distribution to branches nationwide. REPORT ON THE PROPOSED GRAMMAR SCHOOL Chief (Hon) M.C.K Orbih reported that the site of the proposed Grammar School had been surveyed, inspected and declared okay by the health officials while mounting pressure for an early approval. Chief V.A. Omadimhe demanded to know what happened to the second suggested site on Ogbona – Fugar Road (Abughievhaegbe). Ogbona-Fugar Road suggested site was disapproved by Health Officials. LAUNCHING AND FUND RAISING 1980: – OIFU LAGOS was mandated to fix a suitable day for launching/fund raising for 1980. A successful launching and fund raising was organized at Ogbona under the chairmanship of Chief (Hon.) M. C. K Orbih. Some of the Highlights of the fund-raising events 1980: – His Excellency Demas Akpore, Deputy   Governor   of   Bendel State promised   Govt. support and cooperation with community Chief M.C.K Orbih N1,000 Chief (Alhaji) Inu Umoru N2,500 Chief K.O Abiola N 5,000 – A chieftain of NPN (Highest Individual Donor) Admiral Mike Okhai Akhigbe’s friends N19,500 – Represented by Mrs. (DR.) J. Akhigbe (Highest group donation). Major Francis Atsegwasi N500 Chief Tom Otsu N500 A. B .C Momodu N500 John Idode N100 Gregory Enegwea N100 Bernard Orbih. 100 bags of cement and 20 bundles of zinc – Quantify in monetary term at the time N450 Chief J.A. Odalumhe supervised and superintended everything and every work done in the school. His contributions cannot be quantified in monetary terms. Many other donors /contributors who made their contributions in cash and in kind to the successful completion of the great Ogbona Community Grammar School. God bless and reward you all richly in the Name of Jesus. Amen. By: Alfred Enetomhe Idode   THE FOUNDING OF OGBONA SECONDARY SCHOOL Until 1979 all Ogbona sons and daughters must attend post primary school outside of Ogbona, all efforts to get a secondary school for the community proved abortive but as fate would have it, Chief T. A. Osigbemhe became the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education. With Ogbona man close to the seat of power, it became easier to create a synergy and channel all the concerns through him to the appropriate authority for quick and positive response. Naturally, the onerous task of drafting a strongly worded letter, pleading Ogbona case fell within the purview of Ogbona community in Benin which was chaired by Chief Vital Anaweokhai, and they rose to the occasion and indeed wrote a petition to the ministry of education and within the shortest possible time, there was a response with the request for a 200 hectares of land that included plan for future development .Very quickly, Chief M.C.K Orbih and Chief Odalumhe leveraged their good standing in the community to talk the land owners into giving out an expanse of land that almost doubled the size of the official requirement. Eventually, the land was secured, and work commenced in earnest with a six-class room and staff room structures. True to type, Ogbona people never saw it as a government project, but an opportunity to contribute individually and collectively to the development of their community. Every adult, both male and female were levied a certain amount each. The money was levied through the age grade structure thus making it almost impossible to beat payment. All bricklayers and carpenters donated their skills pro bono daily. Each age group was tasked with the responsibility of providing menial labour, including women. It was a project that signposted the limitless height that is attainable with a clear and well- defined singleness of purpose. All the various family and Imhakhena unions in all the major cities across Nigeria were also levied

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ORE OKHIYIE (Ore Okhiyie means I HAVE COME AND I WON’T GO BACK, IMMORTALITY)

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ORE OKHIYIE (Ore Okhiyie means I HAVE COME AND I WON’T GO BACK, IMMORTALITY) One mystery that has defiled logic and historical account is the totemic Ore Okhiyie tree. No one has anything concrete about the history of the tree. Its history is intertwined with that of Ogbona. In fact, from oral tradition, the tree predates the history of Imhakhena, the founder of Ogbona. Oral tradition has it that upon arrival from Fugar circa the 14th century, Imhakhena was enthralled by the magnificent tree and its dark green leaves. He could not help but sort cover under its alluring shade. There have been two theories about the tree, firstly, it’s meaning. Ore Okhiyie means I HAVE COME AND I WON’T GO BACK, IMMORTALITY. The one that will live forever. There have been several postulations about who claimed immortality between Imhakhena and the tree. Imhakhena was known to be under immense pressure from his family, especially the mother, Alokoko to return home to Fugar having been pissed up with his brothers’ indolence. Imhakhena was said to be very defiant and uncompromising. He was said to have told them point blank that he would never go back, and he never did. It is also being sponsored in some quarters that the trees earned the name of immortality because of its longevity. Either way, both of have remained immortals, physically and spiritually. The second argument centers on the plausibility of the claim of immortality. Proponents of this school of thought are of the view that the real Ore Okhiyie died a long time ago and that what is seen green on the withered trunk is a latter day leguminous tree that came up accidentally very close to the base of the real tree. The actual state of things seems to give credence to this position as Ore Okhiyie seems to be made up of two trees. Then, nobody can say with precision when the leguminous tree engulfed the real Ore Okhiyie tree. Needless to say that any attempt to deconstruct the phenomenal Ore Okhiyie is as difficult and confusing as  St Augustine’s attempt to explain the mystery of the trinity of Godhead. One clear and indisputable fact about the tree is that it is not like any other tree seen anywhere else in the world. It has no known specie of any kind. It is not Obechie, Iroko or mahogany. It is a tall tree with big trunks. Parts of the roots are visible. No Ogbona child has  to be taught about the mysteries of the tree and the special place it occupies in the history of the community. No child, however stubborn, has ever dared to climb the tree. It is at the center of the Community and important meetings and events are held under its shade. As one grows up, he comes across the tree and he’s stuck by its awe and wonder. No matter how strong will one might pretend to be, the chipping sounds of birds would soon arouse his curiosity. However, whatever one says about Oreokhiye is just an academic exercise that cannot be verified. Nonetheless, if one is not fascinated by the great tree and its dark green leaves, the eerie feeling one gets as he approaches it, breaks one’s walls of defense.

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Biographies of Some of the Great Ogbona Men and Women

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THE BIOGRAPHY OF HRH ALHAJI PATRICK AJAYI OBOAREKPE (JP) THE GIEAVIANWU OF AVIANWU. His Royal Highness, Alhaji P.A Oboarekpe (JP) was born in the year of our Lord on November 18th, 1922. He was born into the Ogbona ruling house in Avianwu Clan by peasant parents and as such had a humble beginning. GENEALOGY AND PLACE OF BIRTH HRH Alhaji P.A Oboarekpe hails from Ivhitse quarter in Ogbona Sub-clan-head zone of Avianwu Clan. His father Oboarekpe was the eldest son of Akpheokhai of Ivhiste, while his mother Aghiegho Oboarekpe was the eldest daughter of Agbayekhai who hailed from Okotor quarter of Iraokhor in Iraokhor Sub-clan head zone of Avianwu Clan, all in Etsako Central Local Government area of Edo State. HRH Alhaji P.A Oboarekpe was the 4th child of his father. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND AND ACHIEVEMENTS It was customary in those difficult periods in the introduction of western education in Nigeria that only those children who were not good in farm work, but gifted with intelligence would aspire to obtain western education and they were sent to missionary schools. Patrick Ajayi Oboarekpe as he was known at the time got favoured in this regard.  He started his early primary education in 1937 at the then St. John’s Catholic School, Ogbona, and now Oboarekpe primary school (named after him). He completed and obtained the Standard Six School Leaving Certificate in 1945 at the Sacred Heart Catholic School at Agenebode in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State. In 1946 he was employed as a teacher and was posted to St. Peter’s Catholic School at Afashio, Uzairue, in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State under the Catholic Mission. He later proceeded to St. John Bosco College at Ubiaja, where he successfully obtained the Teacher’s Grade III certificate in 1948. He worked assiduously as a classroom teacher and later as Headmaster in various locations in Etsako. While in service, he initiated very many innovative activities that attracted many unwilling children to develop the love for education. Through his untiring quest for the expansion of schools in Etsako, he assisted the missionaries in no small measure in the opening up of schools in deep rural communities where he personally accepted payless jobs in teaching rural pupils. He was a sport enthusiast who won many laurels during the Empire Day Sports Meets that were organized under the auspices of the then colonial masters. He was a sprinter, a distant runner, a footballer and a wrestler. TRADITIONAL LEADERSHIP PERIOD While he was still in service, judging from his indomitable organizing ability and his love for corporate values and unity of purpose, he was called by his people to occupy the stool of the leadership of Ogbona, following the exit of the incumbent Ukpi Drummer, late Chief Okozi who was the then village head. In 1955, in response to the yearning and aspiration of the people of Ogbona, he accepted the challenge and took over the reins of office in the community alongside his teaching career. He later found this to be cumbersome, combining these duties and in 1958, he resigned from teaching voluntarily to avail himself full opportunity to govern the community more effectively. During this early period of his reign, he was appointed into the Customary Court Judicial Service Commission and he served as a member of the Customary Court in Fugar, headquarters of Etsako Central Local Government Area from 1967 to 1974. In 1984, following the exit of HRH Alhaji J.A Alao (JP), the then Clan Head of Avianwu, the royal highness scepter fell upon him and he took up the reigns of office  as the Clan Head of Avianwu Clan, as the Ogieavianwu of Avianwu. He was gazette into the throne and office as the Ogieavianwu of Avianwu on the 19th of June 1986 by the Edo Sate Government. He occupied the position of the Ogieavianwu of Avianwu, until he was graciously called to join his ancestors on the 27th of February 2010. NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS                                             TRADITIONAL INSTITUTION REFORMS In the existence of Avianwu clan, he is the first Royal Highness to parade four full-fledged subordinate clan heads in attendance at deliberations on issues affecting the clan. He created 117 villages that are headed by Ikhaemhos in the dispensation of grassroots justice; and three autonomous villages that were formed into a Ruling House known as Ebadi Ruling House. He fought for the expansion of Avianwu into more viable villages and clans to be headed by subordinate clan heads. During his reign, he endorsed and influenced the creation of Etsako Central Local Government Council with the headquarters at Fugar in Avianwu kingdom in Edo State. EDUCATION REFORMS His reign witnessed giant strides in the educational sector, as many new secondary schools were founded. The former St. John’s Grammar School Fugar was upgraded to the status of a Model Unity School. A Skills Acquisition centre was established and completed at Fugar. The extension of the Federal Government UBE schools scheme to Avhianwu. The establishment of Ogbona Grammar school, Ogbona. HEALTH REFORMS The university of Benin Teaching hospital comprehensive health centre was established at Ogbona. The general hospital located at Fugar and many other primary health care centres were established to take care of the health of his subjects. He assisted with the full immunization of his people by imposing penalties on anyone seeking to prevent the success of the exercise within his domain. SECURITY REFORMS He was the first Ogieavianwu to organize a general congress on ways to avert security threat in his area with all the security agencies in attendance. During his reign, he imposed harsh penalties on those embarking on riots, family feuds, possession and use of dangerous weapons, provocation and assaults of any kind. He stopped the dusk to dawn night parties and night ceremonies that had become avenues for criminal activities and constituted a threat to security in the community. SOCIAL REFORMS                                                He supported the organization of various progressive unions, home and abroad; geared towards the development of the

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History and Culture of Ogbona – Avhianwu Clan”

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HISTORY AND CULTURE OF OGBONA – AVHIANWU CLAN” CONTENTS PAGES History of Ogbona. 1 Age Grades and Age Sets Nomenclature and Their Importance in Ogbona in particular and in Avhianwu Clan in General. 11 Avhianwu Culture, Past, Present and Future. 26 HISTORY OF OGBONA INTRODUCTION: The sources of history’ arc oral tradition, archaeology and written records. ORAL TRADITION Oral Tradition consists of oral information, folklores, songs, dirges and common customary practices of a people. The common disadvantage of this method is that the oral information is usually grossly exaggerated and sometimes affected by the disposition of the teller. Before the information gets to the final stage of acceptance it has been manipulated with a lot of pluses and minuses. ARCHAEOLOGY: Archaeology is the digging into the ground for evidence of a forgotten civilization. This is somehow difficult as it may involve a huge sum of money and sometimes the excavation may result in some findings that are not worth the labour. WRITTEN HISTORY: Written history is the documented record of the most important events of the past. Emphasis is laid on the importance of the events. Here again the writer’s disposition also affects the history because he could be biased to take side and report on an event that demands objectivity. In writing the History of a place one is expected to rely on one or some of the methods in the foregoing paragraphs. Our study of the History of Ogbona cannot be an exception to the rule. We have indeed taken to the path of the least resistance, which in this case is the oral tradition. We are however pleased to resort to the work of Aha Idokpesi Okkhaishie ‘N1 Avhianwu which is very rewarding and informative. We have also referred to the papers presented by Chief T. A. Osigbemhe JP, the Okphe Ukpi of Ogbona on several occasions, on matters of much cultural value and also to Mr. P.S. Eleta’s thesis on age-groupings in Avhianwu land. MIGRATION FROM BENIN: The events that led to the migration from Benin in the later part of the 15″‘ century form the basic background in the study of our own history. It all happened in the reign of Oba Ozolua 1481 – 1504. Before that time, the ruling Oba Olua 1473 – 1478 was very much interested in peaceful adventures. His administration gave the citizens the dividends of a peaceful administration, which included good earth roads, promotion of arts and craft, abundant food supply, palace organization, and the enjoyment of fundamental human rights. Oba Olua died in 1478. There was an interregnum of only three years before a new Oba was installed. It was a phase described by Chief J.P. Egharevba, the Benin Historian, as “an experiment in a Republican Government” by which he meant “a change in the method of appointing the Paramount Chief so that in the place of a hereditary succession within a family, a choice was made by the whole body of Chiefs from among their own number”. In this period, characterized by palace intrigues, law and order had broken down and civil disobedience became the order of the day. It was in the midst of this chaos that Prince Okpame was hailed as both the deliverer and the Oba of Benin as Ozolua in 1481. He saw the situation confronting him as one that required drastic measures in order to restore peace and good governance both at home and abroad. He had to subdue the nobles who already had grown republican tendencies. He developed his armies to restore order and discipline. He also wanted to expand the frontiers of the kingdom which he inherited from his fore fathers. He conquered Ijebu Ode, Ondo and some parts of Ishan. Under him, the armies of Benin were kept in constant activity, sometimes fighting two campaigns in the course of a year. He suffered at least one major defeat but on most occasions, divisions among the opponents, the superiority of his own force and his reputation as an invincible warrior gave him the victory. In all his wars Oba Ozolua was an active leader of the Benin armies and he has been described as a “devotee of battle.” On the domestic level his reign was characterized by suppression and oppression of his subjects and nobles alike, misappropriation of funds by the ruling class and general civil unrest. His subjects were conscripted into the army. These policies made him unpopular among the nobility who did not like to continue living under a tyrant of Oba Ozolua’s calibre. The oral tradition did not spare’ him either. It was said the reigning Oba lost a Prince (name not known) and he asked his subjects to go into mourning for three years within which period, no new male child should he born. Here again, those whose wives were already pregnant were faced with insoluble and difficult problems. It was in this period of oppressive circumstances that one Azama and his family migrated from Benin, in 1485. It was a period of mass migration in Benin History. Other family units which made up the Benin kingdom and who saw that freedom had become a mirage took to their heels. They decided to leave Benin at least to escape from pains and further conscription into the army. They wanted to leave for areas beyond Benin kingdom where they could enjoy a large measure of fundamental human rights. Our next point is to know who this man Azama was. Azama must have been a notable Bini Chieftain who had a large followership. He seemed to be a well-recognized man among the ruling class, which was very much involved in palace intrigues and the experiment at republicanism, lie could be someone who disliked the policy of the ruling Oba and who would not like to be treated like a common man by the Oba who was relatively junior to him in age. Like someone who was neck deep in politics of the day and who feared that

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