HRH Chief Williams Uloko Idode 1959-2022
When beggars die, there are no comets seen; The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of prince. Shakespeare
There is a time to be born and a time to die, so says the good. HRH, Chief Williams Uloko Idode, born 4th April 1959 to Mr. Momodu Ojakpai Idode and Mrs. Lametu Amiunomhene Idogho, both of Ivhiobore quarters, Ogbona, has played his part and took his exit but at a time his ingenuity, sagacity and pragmatics approach to life are most needed. We give God the glory for a life well spent. Much as one is not old enough to do a comprehensive comparative analysis of all the Okphe Ukpis that have ruled our community before now, it goes without saying that his reign helped to unify the community and brought quantum of developments hitherto unseen in the history of our community, chief among which were renovation of schools, provision of furniture, renovation and construction of health center, drilling of boreholes, extension of electricity to some parts of the community, provision of new and maintenance of old transformers .
He had this unquantifiable passion for human capital development for the community which manifested in the number of people he helped to gain employment and admissions to schools of their choices. His rich knowledge and exposure to the outside were well leveraged in the areas of security and the engendering of peaceful atmosphere for development to thrive. It is on record that no sooner was he enthroned than His Royal Highness set up Ogbona reconciliation committee, purposely to insulate chieftaincy affairs from partisan politics, thus setting the tone for healing that helped the community to see common issues that united it than the ones that divided it.
Chief Idode was a just arbiter who never feared to speak the truth regardless the parties involved. He saw the cup as half full than half empty. His love for Ogbona community was without rival. I remember in January 2018 when I got a call from him, inviting me to join him to see the Chief Medical Director of UBTH in Benin City. Chief Idode came prepared and with all the composure, mental alertness and seriousness the occasion demanded, he reeled out the challenges faced by Chief M.C.K Orbih Comprehensive Health Centre at home. The high point of the visit for me was when he made a case and personally submitted application letters from Ogbona people to be employed as medical personnel.
His leaving home to live with his uncle, Dr. J.B.Idode in Benin City in 1970 where he attended Arinze Primary School and Western Boys High School Benin City 1972 -1977; his stint with Nigerian Defense Industry in Kaduna and as teacher at home in 1979 prepared him for the task ahead.
It was not surprising that he was invited In 2007 by elders of his Ivhiobore kindred, with pressure from the then Clan Head, The Ogieavianwu of Avhianwu, Chief Patrick A. Oboarekpe to accept and hold in trust, Egboise for them which is second position to Ukpi title. He accepted albeit, reluctantly because he was doing very well in business and politics. The Egboise graduated to Ukpi drummer in 2008 when HRH T.A. Osigbemhe died and he remained The Okphe-Ukpi of Ogbona until his demise. He was particularly thankful to God that collectively, we were able to move the community forward, better than where it was when he took over.
Good night Your Highness
John Odior Anaweokhai
Peter Aigba
Adieu…. My dear King!
O death! Where is thy sting, ……. Today is a sad day for us all. The death of our King is monumental loss by all sense of the word after a protracted illness. I woke up this morning and I was shocked to learn about this tragic loss, and I know we are all shocked, scared and perhaps angry at the unfairness that took him from us in such an untimely manner. We are probably all seeking answers to why this happened, but undoubtedly, this is part of God’s plan. We all knew the exemplary fashion with which Chief Willy loved us, loved our community, saw strength in our unity and advocated radical emancipation from our old ways that were emmeshed in trado-political imbroglio and rancor in our community.
He was a bridge-builder, a scores-settler, and a peace-making king, such of which is rare to find in our generation of kings. His demise has thrown our community both at home and in diaspora into mourning. We cry to God and ask why once more, but we are assured that he has done well and for that, he may as well be in a better place now. As we now accept that our king is in a better place, we must now as a community, as family, as friends, acknowledge our loss and contemplate the great importance of Chief Willy Idode’s life even as we grief and wallow in sadness. We now owe it to the Okphe-Ukpi and ourselves to focus on the big picture of what Chief Willy Idode life meant to us (as Ogbona community) and what it stood for. The Okphe-Ukpi’s transition to the great beyond will definitely have a lasting effect on us and therefore his legacy must never be undermined. From his youth days through school, he worked so hard to maintain financial independence despite his humble background. Amongst the many opportunities within his reach, he sought a teaching career until he succeeded thrown in 2007, this is quite an impressive journey and perhaps a journey that was full of difficulties yet surmounted.
Chief Willy Idode had an active but a progressive mindset, never say never attitude, an elaborate thought process, excellent memory, exceptional taste for knowledge, unwavering and well thought through opinion, and was a listening king. Our Okphe-Ukpi, was hard-working from the day he wore the crown till death, even on his sick bed he pondered about our people and about our unity. Above all of these virtues, he loved his family. He realized the value of family life and was determined to be the tree-center under which the entire Idode’s kindred is harboured. From his entire life endeavour, I might now conclude that he was a wonderful man who could have lived longer for our community, for his friends and for his family. Arguably, he has left indelible and unmatched footprints in the annals of our history, one for which posterity alone can concur.
In the midst of the cues and cries, pains, and agony that has enveloped our community today, be rest assured that our Chief Willy Idode will live on in all of you (I inclusive). This is what I will remember. ……….. O grave! where is thy victory. (1 Corinthians 15:55). Good night my King!!
Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine. Et lux perpetua luceat eis. Fidelium animae, per misericordiam Dei, requiescant in pace. Amen (Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace). Amen
Paulinus Eleta
When we were in Benin about 6 months ago. My Dad told us Ogbona people has been good to Him. He told us to respect and thank everyone of them we meet. He said some have been of great financial assistance to Him while others show Him much respect.
He told us to appreciate anyone of them we meet.
Yesterday He took his last breath in his house, in his bed as He had wanted and has also been laid to rest where He told us.
We use this opportunity to thank this very platform and Ogbona people in general (Elite in particular) for their immense support especially the funds raising and the show of love during his time of illness.
Men can only award. Only God rewards. Thanks to you all and may God (the Father of our Lord Jesus) reward you all🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
His legacy lives on and God has grant Him rest.
Osi Idode
When we were in Benin about 6 months ago. My Dad told us Ogbona people has been good to Him. He told us to respect and thank everyone of them we meet. He said some have been of great financial assistance to Him while others show Him much respect.
He told us to appreciate anyone of them we meet.
Yesterday He took his last breath in his house, in his bed as He had wanted and has also been laid to rest where He told us.
We use this opportunity to thank this very platform and Ogbona people in general (Elite in particular) for their immense support especially the funds raising and the show of love during his time of illness.
Men can only award. Only God rewards. Thanks to you all and may God (the Father of our Lord Jesus) reward you all🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
His legacy lives on and God has grant Him rest.
Ben Ikhane
The candle has burnt out!
Would there be a fitty one in it’s place?
Lord, thou alone knoweth!
Do not leave us leaderless,
As He, the Spirit that has led us in all our conquering ways has been snatched unripely from us.
Fill this void lord for Your orphans.
What shall we do without him?
How shall we rise and be steadied without this proper prop?
Lord, console us!
In this season of our great grief.
Lighten our lamentations,
And let your peace distill in our heavy hearts.
HRH Willy Idode, you are
Etched in our grieving hearts,
Your living word shall ever melt the hardness and coldness of our tortured hearts.
Your works shall remain permanent with us as long as life lasts: this thus, is our consolation.
Adieu, our star!
Our guide,
Our guard,
Our mentor,
Our Solomonic-wisdom personified,
Our rallying point,
Our moving mover,
Our resolute ruler,
Our towering King;
One so grandly great that even Shaka of the Zulus would envy and bow before you.
Adieu!
Adieu!!
Adieu!!!
My Royal Highness!
Augustine Mode
What a sad and shocking news. HRH, your passage though swift but within the little time I know you as an in-law, it shows your great compassion to your people.
My great in-laws this is a great lost. However, God in His infinite mercy will comfort and heal your wounds.
Rest on HRH in the bosom of the Lord. May your soul rest in perfect peace. Amen!
Vital Ilega
This is an unbearable loss. Rest in Peace our dear Chief Williams Idode. As we pray to God to give you an everlasting peaceful rest, we take solace in your administrative legacy of everything good in the book, that you left behind to guide us through. The almighty God that allowed your departure will certainly give us another you to continue from where you stop. Adieu, the great ruler, we shall always miss you in our lives
Rosemary Okhamera
His Royal Highness was a jolly good fellow.
A friend to all his subjects.
He was a man with a humble spirit who never looked down on anybody.
The entire people of Ogbona kingdom will miss him.
Rest in peace in the bossom of our Jesus Christ.
THE EXIT OF A COLOSSUS – Emmanuel Adamu
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of such a bridge builder like the Okpe Ukpi High Chief Williams Idode. Rest in peace Your Majesty, our wonderful and proactive leader.
My deepest condolences to the Royal family and the entire Ogbona community at this sad time.
We have been truly blessed to have had a pivot like him, my deepest condolences to you all, the Ogbona indigenes home and abroad and thank you all for sharing in his pains till he took his last breath.
May the almighty God fill the vacuum his death has created with a dynamic person with a listening ears and a hearing heart to take Ogbona community further.
All is well with Ogbona in the name of Jesus Christ 🙏.
Gilbert Odior
HRH Chief Williams Uloko Idode rest in peace.
Uloko and I grew up in the same neighbourhood but we were not close because he was younger. My first real encounter with Uloko was in 2010 when he invited me to join the Ogbona Advisory Committee that he has just set up to help him manage the affairs of the community. The Advisory Committee was headed by Chief Mathias Akpaibor and I along with Paulinus Ifaorumhe, Thomas Ikhaghu, Peter Odior and Others were in the Infrastructure, Roads, Streets and Development Committee. We put a very robust plan together and gave it to the chief. Over the years he has followed through with our plans.
In 2016 we formed the Ogbona Elites Forum and invited him to join us. He has been our advisor, champion and projects manager for all our works. Chief Williams Uloko Idode had a big vision and plans for Ogbona community and was willing to work with anyone that will bring any progress to the community.
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 institution, Markets, Security, governance and peace in the community.
May God rest your soul and thank you for your selfless service to our community. We pray God will guide your successor to continue your good works.
Good night Chief Williams Uloko Idode
Phillip Ogedegbe
Rest in peace my king and brother in-law. May angels minister to you journey home to your creator. Stood at your final resting place speechless. Rest till the resurrection morning dear brother.
Your Royal Highness,
We will miss your wisdom and wit, your uncommon strategy and sagacity in handling and resolving communal issues.
You have left an unmatched legacy, which we will cling on to as we remember you and pray for the repose of your soul.
Rest in peace,
Rest in eternal peace
Our beloved Royal Highness.
Julie Osigbemhe Olatunji.
(Ovhi’ Dispenser)
TRIBUTE TO LATE OGIE
God saw that he was getting tired, A cure was not to be.So He put his arms around him and whispered’ “Come with me the great King.” With tearful eyes, we watched him fade away. Although we loved him dearly, we could not make him stay.A golden heart stopped beating. Hard working hands to rest.God broke our heart to prove to us He only takes “The Best” Chief Willy Idode the Okpe-Upi of Ogbona may you live long in the great beyond forever ever because you live in peace and die for peace.
George law Umole.
Innocent Unuevho
May the soul of HRH, Chief Williams Uloko Idode rest in peace.
My condolence goes to his immediate family and the entire Ogbona family in general.
He was indeed a great ruler.
May Almighty God give his successor the wisdom, strength and knowledge to continue the enormous task of Ogbona development and unification, from where he stopped before his demise.
We should find solace in the fact that transition is a passage to eternity, to which humanity is subjected.
Pius Asekomhe
May his soul rest in peace. He had a passion for progress in all spheres of life. No wonder his achievement for Ogbona stands out. We miss you greatly HRH Chief Willy Uloko Idode.
Mike Kadiri
“Could we find another like him,” Pharaoh asked his servants, “a man so endowed with the spirit of God?” Gen:41:38.
A distinguished leader with uncommon wisdom. You took Ogbona kingdom to another level. We will surely miss your leadership qualities. May your soul rest in peace.
Mary Dokpesi
HRH set the agenda for the new Ogbona of our dreams. May he find rest in the bosom of the Almighty God. Amen🙏🏻
Paulinus Enamhegbai
What a great leader! We feel the pains but God knows best. My condolences to all.
Pius Asekomhe
May his soul rest in peace. He had a passion for progress in all spheres of life. No wonder his achievement for Ogbona stands out. We miss you greatly HRH Chief Willy Uloko Idode.
Oshiokpekhai Etsemeiyor Orbih
Chief William Uloko Idode was I great Leader.I grew up in Ogbona at a time the Community was so divided.
Ever since he became the Okphe Ukpi of Ogbona, we have witnessed unprecedented Unit, peace and development.
Our Community will forever miss him.
Rest In Peace Chief.
Shaibu Mourns Transition of HRH Uloko Willy ldode
ByAyoola Adeleke
Oct 7, 2022 Chief Williams Uloko Idode, Ogbona, Okpe – Ukpi, Rt Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu
…Condoles with Ogbona Community
Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu has mourned the transition of His Royal Highness, Chief Williams Uloko ldode, the Okpe-Ukpi of Ogbona in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State, even as he commiserated with people of the community over the loss of their traditional ruler.
In a condolence message personally signed by the Deputy Governor, he noted that;
“it is with a deep sense of loss that I received the sad news of the passing of your father and traditional ruler, Okpe – Ukpi of Ogbona, His Royal Highness, Chief Williams Uloko Idode”.
•
His Royal Highness, Chief Williams Uloko Idode
“I am aware that he was a disciplinarian father and exemplary traditional ruler whose passion and commitment towards the well-being of his subjects and development of the Ogbona community knew no bounds”.
The State number two citizen affirmed that “the Okpe-Ukpi’s reign on the ancient throne of his forebears ushered in a new era of cultural renaissance, peace and progress in Ogbona”.
“He left behind an enduring legacy of peace, unity and mutual co-existence amongst his people and the neighbouring communities”.
“Permit me to commiserate with the royal family and the good people of Ogbona for the irreparable loss of their dearly beloved father and ruler”.
“May God Almighty accept the repose of his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through His divine mercy, Amen”.
“My condolences to the family and the entire Ogbona community”, Shaibu added.
Victor Regard Scott
This is the fact I can never denied rather to defend it.
We all were brothers before our brothers started choosing their favorite brothers (cultism). Yet you stood your ground to make sure the Clan is been restored.
At the process of chasing the barbaric act out of he town/village some of them discovered Western country till today and they find something useful doing in various cities across the world.
On this day I prayed that the Lord accept your shortcoming and grants you rest.
In your reigns we encountered peace and harmony, some barbaric traditions that separates us from the love of God were been amended and sincerely Ogbona is now soaring in God’s glory
May you never be forgotten in a hurry for your awesome service to our community..
REST IN PEACE OKPHE-UKPI OF IMHAKHENA
Imhakhu Ami Gagato
You were an upright and honest ruler. May light perpetual shine on your soul. And May your soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace amen. My condolences to your immediate family, the people of Ogbona community in particular and Avhianwu Clan in general. Rest in peace His Royal Highness William Idode.
Cecilia-Eleta Cecilia
May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace my adorable brother. My Wisdom truthful peaceful great leader. You tried as a good leader to help our Community better than what it was before. You United the Community as one. May God direct who so ever will start from where you stopped. We are already missing you in all ways. Rest on with the Lord my beloved brother. Bye, bye your Royal Highness.
Atsegamhe Alexander
He was a zealous individual known for communal progress and unity. May his soul rest in the bosom of the Lord.
Taye Anavhe
Spotless Egret
For Willy Idode; The Late Okphe- Ukpi of Ogbona
Once upon my village bent on self-ruin.
An ancient rancor over mice and roaches
Seethed kindreds in hate.
You latched the peace brokerage,
A burden for brawns bestowed you,
Onto your chest,
Courage steeled.
Earth, wind, ocean, and the sky you rallied.
But none hearkened with aid.
Supplications before Imakhena
Demanded sacrifices intimidating to courage:
Arms, legs, heartbeat, backbone, acumen, and vision,
Possessions of willful Okotor,
Bellicose Iviochie,
Belligerent Ivhidor,
Vengeful Ivhiorevho…
Molds and bounds of our beauty and repugnance…
To the crossroads you dragged them all,
Even when your sinews buckled.
Libation of rum for fire,
You lit the pyre,
Incinerated hostility,
Gathered its ashes in the urn of regeneration,
Earthed with Oreokhiye as the sole witness.
From the spring of knowledge light came of you.
We can now trample on snakes and scorpions,
Travails mightier than quarrel over rat and roach.
Enlightenment has buried ignorance,
Quelled the useless feud.
You cracked the rock’s mouth,
Whence flowed tranquility,
Quenching our parchedness,
Thirst for progress, peace, and unity.
The Phallus and clam,
Sought you from Adaobi’s loins,
Flourished fertility in wombs and fields.
Dirges have ceased.
Panegyrics now abounds.
Salubrity sates us.
Yet feats like these bequeath their tolls,
Atrophies sinews,
Set blood on febrile heat,
Leaves mortal pale.
For our sake,
Though spent,
You suffered it all,
Not even death could deter you.
…Visitations shifts to the realms of dreams…
…Encounters settles in echoes of memory…
Royal egret,
Feast not in worms and the rot of sand,
The victuals of Alimhi and her abundance,
Has become yours eternally…
Glimpse of you in the white cloud,
Soaring still for our course,
Dissolving into Imakhena,
Matchet-head sharpened to fall all inhibitions,
To keep our world steady,
In perpetuity of your immortality.
Taye Anavhe ©2022
Oshiokhane Adamu Emmanuel
Chief Williams Idode was a bridge builder per excellence.
His ruggedness and proactive approach to issues was unequivocal.
It is a colossal loss to Ogbona community and the entire Avhiawu Clan.
May the Lord console the entire family and fill the vacuum with a gallant person with a listening ear and a hearing heart to move Ogbona indigenes home and abroad beyond limits.
All is well.
Barr Izuagie Sally
Rest In Perfect Peace, Your Highness, Ameen. You were a very homely Ruler, very interesting to be in his company… My heartfelt condolences to all the People of Ogbona Community & the entire Avianwu Clan. He was a Ruler of peace & Insha Allah, he SHALL enjoy peace in his Transition , Ameen. A great Man of his time!
Sunday Osas Aigbedo
To you and the good people of Ogbona, God will grant you people the fortitude to bear the loss. I was there some years back when my oga in the Road Safety, Engr Ralph Asekomhe was our Zonal coordinator
Oshoke Paul
The news of his death is still a shock to me. But he has lived his part, a part he lived very well and impacted so many people. May God accept his soul. Adieu my king. The Okpe-Ukpi of Ogbona Kingdom.
Engr Stanidan Umoru Matamata
He lives a life that is worthy of emulation, we never expect this at this time but God know why it happened this way, no man can question God, we give God all the glory. May the soul of the departed rest in peace. Oghenaroyanotse. The Okpe-Ukpi of Ogbona kingdom.
Ede Onoshiorere Abigail
My condolences to the family and Ogbona community, mostly my beloved father. May the soul of His Royal Highness rest in peace. May Almighty God give us the grace to bear the loss. So sad.
Augustine Musa
Well said, he was without doubt a man with a wonderful soul, to my in-laws accept my condolences and to the departed, Your Highness, may the good Lord accept your beautiful soul a perfect rest in His bossom. Good night till that beautiful resurrection morning of the Lord.
Profile of Chief William Idode, Okphe Ukpi of Ogbona
History was made by Okphe-Ukpi of Ogbona, Chief Willy Idode for introducing and inaugurating the first Ogbona Advisory Committee. Terms of reference from the Okphe-Ukpi were; Organization, Generation of positive ideas for the development of our community, Act as think-tank responsible for the development of the community, Mobilization of necessary human and material resources, Maintenance of peace and security in our community and Implement approved projects.
The committee and subcommittees were then divided into the following committees to help achieve these goals. Security, Education, Town planning/works, Health, Agriculture, Revenue/Markets, Cultural Revival/Socialization and Judiciary
Williams Uloko Idode was born 4th April 1959 to Mr. Momodu Ojakpai idode and Mrs. Lametu Amiunomhene Idogho both of Ivhiobore quarters Ogbona. He left home very early to live with his uncle Dr. J. B. Idode in Benin City in 1970. He completed his primary education in Benin City at Arinze Primary School in 1972. Attended Western Boys High School Benin City 1972 -1977. Willie then left for Kaduna to start life on his own where he gained employment with Nigeria Defense Industry. He returned home to take up an appointment as teacher in 1979 due to pressure from his parents. The struggles continued for some time to go back to school and meet with financial and family challenges. He has to stay close to his father when the father became very sick because others were not around home. The father died in 1986.
His death free him to go into business both local and international business (buying and selling), contract jobs, mining of solid mineral and later, petroleum products business. In 1996 he went into politics, served as ward chairman for eight years and as party Local Government Chairman for four years. He also served in various Government Agencies board. His political influence enable him to attracted development to the community including renovation of schools and provision of furniture, renovation and construction of our health center, boreholes, extension of electricity to some parts of the community, provision of new transforms and maintenance. He also assisted our people to gain employment and our youth to gain admissions to schools of their choice. It is good to know that all these cannot be achieved without having a peaceful and secured community, he was able to set up Ogbona reconciliation committee, with this committee was able to separate chieftaincy from politics and settled the issues that separated us for a long time etc.
In 2007, he was invited by elders of his Ivhiobore kindred to hold in trust Egboise for them which is second position to ukpi title, also there was pressure from our late clan head the Ogieavianwu of avhianwu Chief Patrick A. Oboarekpe to accept. He accepted with heavy heart because he was comfortable in politics. The Egboise graduated to ukpi drummer in 2008 when HRH T.A. Osigbemhe died. Chief William Uloko Idode is the current Okphe-Ukpi of Ogbona. He is thanking God that today together with each and every one of you we have been able to move the community forward, better than where it was when he took over. By God grace, better days are ahead.
