Okhei Traditional Title in Avianwu Clan By Evangelist Godwin Eshiekhai Asekomhe

Okhei Traditional Title in Avianwu Clan

By Evangelist Godwin Eshiekhai Asekomhe

PART ONE

Avianwu Clan is made up of four communities namely: Ivhiarua, Ivhinone, Iraokhor and Ogbona. These four male children are the direct biological children of the same parents (i.e. Anwu the father and Aleokoko the mother). The four communities uphold and practice the same cultures/traditions that binds them together as one indivisible entity. An entity with One Clan – One destiny. One of the cultures that binds them together is Okhei Traditional Title. Okhei Tradition is one of the most exclusive enduring social institution in Avianwu culture. Initiation into Okhei Title is the exclusive preserve of male (male children, youths and adults) only. Initiation into Okhei Traditional Title is a traditional priestly ordination into priestly cult in traditional society, hence every Okhei Title holder is called and addressed as OBOH. Okhei Traditional Title is so important to the culture of Avianwu Clan such that initiation into the cult is the most necessary and important qualification to the conferment of any of the traditional titles in the Clan that culminate in being enthroned an Okphe – Ukpi ( Ukpi Drummer i.e. Community Head), which is the apex chieftaincy title in Avianwu Clan culture. This connotes that no one can be a traditional ruler if one is not an OBOH – that is Chief Priest. A male member of the traditional society who is not initiated into Okhei Title is considered as a mere and mean man and of no value in the Land. Hence such man is called OGBARI. Any OGBARI cannot aspire to attain any social status and position such as Oghiebo, Utokho – Ukpi, Ogbor – Okpise, Priest nor Chief Priest to offer sacrifice to the gods, nor any other traditional political position in the Clan.

PART TWO

Is Okhei traditional Title in Avianwu Clan our inheritance bequeathed to us by our forefathers? What is the origin of Okhei Traditional Title in Avianwu Clan? ORIGIN OF OKHEI TRADITIONAL TITLE IN AVIANWU CLAN. Okhei traditional Title in Avianwu Clan is not originally Avianwu Clan Cultural heritage bequeathed to us by the founding fathers of the Clan. From Avianwu Clan historical antiquity Okhei Title tradition was borrowed from “Ebu” which means “IGBO”. It is a (cross – culture) borrowed from Igbo land by some of our elders in the past. (Descent of Anwu by Ekpeshie). In Igbo Land, it is called “Ozoh traditional Title” without which no man can wear the traditional Red Cap, nor conferment of traditional chieftaincy title, nor be elected into traditional political offices nor regarded or respected in the committee of elders just as it is done in Avianwu Clan. THE PRACTICES AND THE ISSUES INVOLVED IN INITIATION INTO OKHEI TRADITIONAL TITLE. I will like to begin this section of our discourse by saying:

(1). I am an Okhei Traditional Title Holder.

(2). I have studied extensively on the subject of Okhei traditional culture in Avianwu clan.

(3). As a deliverance minister, I have travelled far and wide in Igbo Land uprooting and destroying evil idols, deities altars etc. So I have knowledge of these issues. From historical and demonological and deliverance studies, practical life experiences and testimonies of one delivered from the demon of Okhei, it is observed initiation into Okhei traditional title involves a high level of paganism and occultism rituals and sacrifices to gods and spirits.

PART THREE

OKHEI TRADITIONAL TITLE IN AVIANWU CLAN: RITUALS AND PRACTICISES

Okhei Traditional Title in Avianwu Clan is the official traditional initiation and ordination into traditional Priesthood without which no male member of the traditional society can aspire to any social status, position or perform rituals and sacrifices to the gods of the land. Okhei traditional title is the most controversial cultural heritage in that it involves a very high level of pagan rituals and sacrifices. Initiates from between early 30s and 90s will affirm to these assertions. Some of such rituals and practices are:

Iluobo-Okhei (Initial Okhei planning sacrifice).
Decoration of traditional Olibo Stick.
Decoration of initiate with traditional white chalk in preparation to going to Ogwa- Nikeke and Ogwa – Nokhua (small & big forest).
Leading the initiate to both forests for rituals, sacrifices, dedication and taking oath of initiation accompanied with heavy drumming.
On the way to the forests the initiate make sacrifices with “Asa” yam flour mixed with palm oil with roasted house rat and a fish on top of a small earth ware clay pot placed in the left hand of the initiate.
Planting of a hen feather and pouring of palm wine on the way to both forest for rituals and sacrifices.
Carrying of a long square basket called “Itsakpa” covered with a piece of white cloth and decorated with palm front and two hens by a boy considered and called servant of the new Oboh (To be continued).

PART FOUR

OKHEI TRADITIONAL TITLE IN AVIANWU CLAN: RITUALS AND PRACTICISES (Continuation)

Bowing down and worship any Iroko and Olibo trees on their way to and in the big forest.
At the forest the chief priest order the initiate to run round an Iroko tree seven times.
The chief priest strangles a life chicken to death and uses it to hit the chest of the initiate and also wave it around his head seven times.
The initiate places his right leg on the stem of Iroko tree with citation of incantations by the chief priest (Ogiebo).
Invocation of an evil spirit on the initiate which makes him stagger like a drunkard.
Oath taking and vow of dedication at the big forest (Ogwa Nokhua). The oath and vow of dedication goes thus:

ULOKO NA OGWA EEE, IREGBEMHE NE MHO- meaning “IROKO TREE OF THE FOREST I DEDICATE MY SELF TO YOU.

After certain pronouncements by the chief priest (Ogiebo), the initiate makes a final pledge to the shrine in the forest and promise to keep the oath of secrecy of the testimony.

PART FIVE

OKHEI TRADITIONAL TITLI IN AVIANWU CLAN. TABOOS, DOS AND DON’TS AND CONSEQUENCES

Okhei traditional title in Avhianwu Clan is an embodiments of secrets, dos and don’ts. Violation of any of the don’ts warrants mysterious untimely death except by divine intervention. The dos and don’ts are:

On returning from the forest, the initiates (Oboh Ogbomhi) is possessed with new spirit, sings songs of praises and pays homage to those initiated before him, the divinities and ancestors of the Land.
On arrival from the big forest final ritual is performed to seal the covenant oath with the Okhei deity.
When the initiate gets home, other priest fences him round with clothes. The head of a hen is twisted, pulled off and the blood is sprinkled on the new priest (Oboh Ogbomhi).
The initiate on returning from the forest, goes round the village and returns into raffia booth with back.
The ceremony is concluded with a presentation of staff of Okhei title (ETSU) to the new priest “Oboh Ogbomhi”. The presentation of Okhei staff is also full of another segment of rituals and sacrifices
Inside the raffia boot, some rituals and sacrifice are further performed with clay pots, dried fish and fowl to appease the Okhei spirits.
Okhei title holders must not eat food cooked with Olibo firewood.
He must not violate the oath of secrecy by disclosing to any one or his wife the secrets of Okhei ceremony.
He must not sit on a mortar turned upside down.
He must not eat the head of rabbit or rat.
He must not pick any cooked food with the tip of a knife to eat.
At the death of Okhei Title Holder, a hen is waved round the feet and head of the deceased, twisted and pulled off and blood sprinkled on the feet to appease the spirit of Okhei (Ilor-egbe) under closed doors with only members of Okhei title holders inside.

Part five will be detailed but end the series.

My position is not absolution but modernization. Though this may not go down well with many, particularly Christians. I was the one who suggested for the modernization of ESI FESTIVAL as prescribed in the Bible at the palace during one of our meetings with the Okphe – Ukpi – In – Council. Okphe – Ukpi has a copy of all I written on Okhei and I will not deviate from that position due to pressure from my Christian brethren. The responsibility of the modernization of Ogbona Culture was given to us – Ogbona Christian Association. I personally research into some such as Age Group, Aduikukwa, and Okhei. But the Christian Association refuse to sign it and officially forward it because of Okhei. Ukpe Ukpi – In – Council is reading for the modernization of all the paganism cultures. Hence I went detailed. There is no going back pagan cultures must be modernized to in accordance with the scriptures for interested to participate irrespective of religious faith. I am a full time catholic field Evangelist and I have travelled far and wide in Nigeria and Africa. My observation is that Christians usually spearhead the modernization of cultures that are pagan oriented. Christmas is one of such pagan cultures that was modernized which Christian all over the world embraced and celebrated till date. We have the moral, scriptural and spiritual obligation to our community and our generation yet unborn to modernize these pagan cultural value that have become social institutions that the community cannot do without. All over the world there is nowhere paganism is completely wiped out. Not even in our generation of Fundamental human right. Those interest will certainly go to court. In Ogbona, the Muslim community went to court to claim their right over wearing a red cap (Omada) without being initiated into Okhei traditional cult and they won the case. Part six will be prayer for deliverance

OKHEI TRADITIONAL TITLE IN AVIANWU CLAN: ABOLUTION OR MODERNISATION? (PART FIVE). Let’s begin by taking a look at Christmas. Roman pagans first introduced the holiday of SATURNALIA in honor of SATURN- the god of agriculture. It was a week-long lawlessness of celebration between December 17 – 25. During the period, Roman courts were closed, the Roman dictated that no one could be punished for damaging properties or injuring people during the week-long celebration. The celebration began when the Roman authority chose “an enemy of the Roman people “to represent the “The Lord of Misrule.” Each Roman Community selected a victim they forced to indulge in food and other physical pleasure throughout the week. At the conclusion of the festival on December 25th, the Roman authority believing they were destroying “forces of darkness” would have the victims executed. In addition to human sacrifice, there was widespread drinking, going from house to house while singing naked; rape and other sexual indulgences. In the fourth Century, Christianity modernised the Saturnalia festival hoping to take the pagan masses with it. In this way Christians succeeded in converting large numbers of pagans to Christianity by allowing them to continue the celebration of Saturnalia as Christmas. To achieve this aim, the Church Leaders named the Saturnalia’s concluding day, December 25th to be the birthday of Jesus. All the paganism and occultism rituals and sacrifices were abolished VC. This is modernisation of culture/ tradition. The pagan tradition was not abolished but modernised by removing all the evil basic tenents of the tradition and replacing it with a Christian tradition. Today Christians from all races, tribes, nations and continent celebrate CHRISTMASS without fear of doctrinal, theological and canonical heresy. Watch out for part 6& 7 – 8.

By Evangelist Godwin Asekomhe

Why Okhei title is Significant in Avhianwu Culture says Chief Okhuofu.

By Elias Inaede,

Fugar- The importance of Okhei title in Avhianwu Clan has been stressed.

The Sub Clan head and Okphe Ukpi of Egwenabor Community in Avhianwu, His Royal Highness, Chief Johnson Martin Okhuofu, made the Submission recently in an interview with newsmen in his Palace at Fugar, headquarters of Etsako Central local government area of Edo State.

According to him, Okhei title initiation determines the Origin of a Man stressing that it was imperative for a Man to trace his root. He Stated that Ebadi Elela do not Perform the same Okhei title with Ivhiunone and that Ivhiunone usually discriminate against Ebadi Elela as regards manhood initiation and that Ivhiunone regard Ebadi Elela as fake while they are origin.

The Egwenabor traditional ruler, also asserted that there was need to reform Okhei title in Avhianwu to meet the present realities stressing that the Reformation would help to unite the people and also showcase Avhianwu Cultural heritage to the World.

While Commending the people of Ebadi Elela, three Ebadis, for their resolute and determination to be free from Oppression and marginalisation, Chief Okhuofu said, it was inhuman to deprive the oppressed from seeking freedom from his oppressors.

On the present falling standard of education in Nigeria, Chief Okhuofu, who is also an Educationist, blamed Parents and teachers for the menace of Corruption in the system stressing that inordinate ambition of Parents to produce graduates has contributed to the falling standard of education and the quest to be rich at all cost on the part of the teachers has also led to the Educational decadence in the Country.

He called on government and non-governmental Organizations to go back to the old system where merit was the yardstick for admitting Pupils and students into Schools in order to restore the educational glory.

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OKHEI TITLE IN AVIANWU CLAN AND THE PRACTICE OF SATANIC RITUALS.

By Felix Itsuokor

We have asked that this topic be brought back for proper discussion and documentation. First, we will like someone to document the entire process for the Okhei title and we can then pick holes in the process and ask our elders for reforms. We cannot just call for abandonment of our culture because we are now Christians and we fill the culture is satanic.

Let’s discuss this maturely and prefer solutions.

This is the submission of Felix Itsuokor on Okhei initiations rites. In all honesty must we continue with this evil practice or do we need a thorough review of the practice. Pls enjoy it.

(AVIANWU clan comprises four villages and they are: Ogbona, Iraokhor, Ivhiarua and Ivhinonhe, Etsako Central LGA, Edo State. Nigeria.

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THE EVIL PRACTICES AND THE ISSUES INVOLVED:

Take the people who are to be initiated into the forest for the evil rituals.
They bow down and worship at every junction on their way to the forest.
Do obeisance to any Iroko tree or bow down to any Iroko tree.
Inside the forest the chief priest ordered you to run round an Iroko tree seven times.
The chief priest used his bare hand to strangle a chicken to death, he then used the strangled chicken to hit the chest of the person being initiated.
The strangled chicken is also used to round the head of the person being initiated seven times, then use the same chicken to hit his back once.
The chief priest will asked the person to raise his right leg on the Iroko tree with destructive incarnations.
The chief priests commands the person’s every moves with serious sacrifices of blood and water.
An evil spirit is then invoked into the person which makes the person staggers like a drunkard.
Little male infants’ children do not do some of these things but somebody from the family do it for them while they are inside the forest.

All these sacrifices and initiations are done in stages. Only the males and male children are initiated, and everything is done with serious oath of secrecy. You must not tell.

When you are back from the forest, they make a thatched house for you inside which some other sacrifices will have to be perform.

12: There is a person who is not a participant, but that person will carry a basket with a fowl inside it. That person is a servant to the one being initiated into this satanic ritual.

We have seen so many so called Christians who participated in this evil rituals, who decided to keep the secrets for the devil. They claimed to be born again, yet they refused to warn other people from participating in this devilish initiation. That is how Christ will refuse them that is how God will reject them and cast them into the lake of fire.

If you have been initiated into this dreaded cult, you need to come back to Christ for deliverance and absolute cleansing by His blood which was shed for the remission of sins.

With the mouth, man believeth unto righteousness, with the mouth confession is made. Romans 10:10

The wages of sin is death…….., Romans 6:23 that is the second death…..

OKHEY title in AVIANWU Clan is a satanic ritual being practiced in that part of the world. It is a satanic initiation into coven of which children and adults alike participate in this devilish and satanic initiation which involves only the male species in this part of Nigeria, in Edo state.

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My greatest surprise in this barbaric and satanic practice is that, some so called Christians do participate in this rituals, some of them accompanied their friends to do this act of evil against their soul and spirit and yet they cannot warn them of the impeding danger is they participate in the rituals.

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It is a practical initiation that is hounded in deep secrecy, no matter how much love you have for your wife, you must not tell, your mouth must be shut till you die. Once a member dies, a sacrifice is performed on the person’s chest and legs with the use of a native foul and a red oil. Is this not evil against the God of heaven, yet they call themselves Christians.

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This is it, these participants of this devilish initiation are taken into the forest, dressed in a particular masquerade traditional attires with their eyes wide open, painted with all sorts of different smelling colors to make them look like Beelzebub. They go into the forest to perform sacrifices on them. Inside that forest, they make them bow down before a tree, a native chicken will be slaughtered and the blood will be splattered on the person’s chest and back. Then some feathers will be removed from the sacrificed chicken and gum to the person’s chest.

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During this process, they will make the participant to swear to an oath of secrecy that he must not tell anyone till he departs this earth. They make them to pick up a dead rat from the ground with their mouth with serious incantations by those initiating them. They will make them to drink alcohol to stupor so that they will partially forget what they have done in the forest. You must not tell this secret to anyone, it’s an order you will have to obey till you die.

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Most times, I see some people who claimed to be born again that cannot share the testimony of what they have made them to go through. Why can they preach against this dirty tradition of serious idolatry to condemn it? If you are a true believer, you must stand up for the truth and preach the gospel of Christ in holiness and righteousness. Do not keep quiet because many people who have taken part in this act have died and have gone to hell without repentance.

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Anyone who has ever participated in this initiation is carrying a curse and a spell from the devil. Such a person needs to repent so that Christ can deliver such a one from that bondage. Only Christ can heal a sick mind.

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Mark 7:3-13; Matthew 15:2-6; Colossians 2:8; 2 Thessalonians 3:6; 1 Peter 1:18

Those Christians who have participated in this initiation and cannot share their testimony of the evil embedded in this was never a believer. 2Corinthians 5:17. You must testify of the goodness of God in your life.

WE HAVE SEEN SOME SO CALLED CHRISTIANS PARTICIPATING IN THIS DEMONS TRADITION IN THIS PARTAKE OF NIGERIA. IT IS EVIL AND DETESTABLE BEFORE GOD.

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John Odior Anaweokhai The dynamic nature of society entails its advance effects on any part of her culture that chooses to remain static. Okhei cannot be exceptional. Its failure to evolve with time spells doom for its impending extinction. The earlier the custodians of our customs and tradition realize this, the better. In the time past our value system placed Oboh in the realm of the supernatural with the ability to unravel mystery. Today, the reverse is the case as a title holder finds himself in an ever changing world where economic and intellectual powers to a great extent, place one on a higher strata of the social scale. On a personal note, there is the urgent need to do a thorough review of Okhei rites. The ceremonial aspects of it can be retained while dispensing with those aspects that are idolatry. I cherish the red cap and the fitting it gives to our native attire

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Good morning my people. Every tribe in the whole world have their own culture and tradition. We cannot condemn our own totally because of religious. All we need to do is modification. I held meetings with Ogbona Christian association and the Muslims to come out with plans that will be generally accepted. Am still waiting for them. We should know that, there is nothing in Avianwu today you can get without performing Okhei title, including elective positions.

Good to know that the Okphe Ukpi has already seen the need to review the practice. Long May You reign sir.

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Sunday Omohyeme I really don’t see anything bad in it. My father did his where he was very young… I saw the black & White photos. And before he died he did the same for his sons.

Linus Esime Esiesimua: Without being told, this is one satanic cultural practice that need to be done away with. On its own its already going extinct in our history. As a growing child we fancied and envied families who were involved in the Okhe title practice though my family does the Agbe or Ulu title but as I grew up to know Christ, I realised the evil and the vanity in its practice. Only my 2 elder brothers did it among my father’s sons and I made up my mind not to do it; not for anything in my lifetime. It’s satanic, of no value, vain and lead one to know where. Next time here I will give you also a spiritual expose on the revelations I got about ‘uruamhi’ I mean ‘otu’ age group ceremony. It’s satanic too and an exchange of ones destiny at the ‘Orokhiye’ tree. This is why none of my child can travel home to do it. God help us IJN!

OKHEI TITLE IN AVIANWU CLAN AND THE PRACTICE OF SATANIC RITUALS.

(AVIANWU clan comprises four villages, namely: Ogbona, Iraokhor, Ivhiarua and Ivhinonhe, Etsako Central LGA, Edo State. Nigeria.

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THE EVIL PRACTICES AND THE ISSUES INVOLVED: Exodus 20: 3-4

Take the people who are to be initiated into the forest for the evil rituals.

They bow down and worship at every junction on their way to the forest.

Do obeisance to any Iroko tree or bow down to any Iroko tree on their way to the forest.

Inside the forest the chief priest ordered the initiate to run round an Iroko tree seven times as incantations are being made.

The chief priest used his bare hand to strangle a chicken to death, he then used the strangled chicken to hit the chest of the person being initiated.

The strangled chicken is also used to round the head of the person being initiated seven times, then use the same chicken to hit his back once.

The chief priest will asked the person to raise his right leg on the Iroko tree with dangerous incarnations.

The chief priests commands the person’s every moves with serious sacrifices of blood and water and to bow down to a very little tree called “Olibo”. After that, once the initiate returned from the initiation, he must not eat the food cooked with that “Olibo”, the wife must not make that mistake, if he does, and the initiate will die. What bondage.

An evil spirit is then invoked into the person which makes the person staggers like a drunkard as he, the initiate bow in worship of any iroko tree on the way. Abomination.

Little male infants’ children do not do some of these things but somebody from the family do it for them while they are inside the forest.

All these sacrifices and initiations are done in stages. Only the males and male children are initiated, and everything is done with serious oath of secrecy. You must not tell, even your wife must not hear this.

When you are back from the forest, they make a thatched house for you inside which some other sacrifices will have to be perform with clay pots, dried fishes and fouls to appease the evil spirits.

12: There is a person who is not a participant, but that person will carry a basket with a fowl inside it. That person is a servant to the one being initiated into this satanic ritual and that servant does not go into the forest with the initiates but they call him “Ogbhari “. That was the embarrassment they gave to Chief M.C.K Orbih, when someone called him Ogbhari in a village meeting, the chief got angry and decided to pick one person each from the four villages within the clan for the initiation. What nonsense and embarrassment to an honorable son of Ogbona.

If you have been initiated into this dreaded cult, you need to come back to Christ for deliverance and absolute cleansing by His blood which was shed for the remission of sins.

With the mouth, man believeth unto righteousness, with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:10

The wages of sin is death…….., Romans 6:23 that is the second death…..

OKHEI title in AVIANWU Clan is a satanic ritual being practiced in that part of the world. It is a satanic initiation into coven of which children and adults alike participate in this devilish and satanic initiation which involves only the male species in this part of Nigeria, in Edo state.

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It is a practical initiation that is hounded in deep secrecy, no matter how much love you have for your wife, you must not tell, your mouth must be shut till you die. Once a member dies, a sacrifice is perform on the person’s chest and legs with the use of a native foul and a red oil. Is this not evil against the God of heaven, yet they call themselves Christians.

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Most times, I see some people who claimed to be born again but cannot share the testimony of what they have made them to go through. Why can’t they preach against this dirty tradition of serious idolatry to condemn it. If you are a true believer, you must stand up for the truth and preach the gospel of Christ in holiness and righteousness. Do not keep quiet because many people who have taken part in this act have died and have gone to hell without repentance.

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Mark 7:3-13; Matthew 15:2-6; Colossians 2:8; 2 Thessalonians 3:6; 1 Peter 1:18

We Have Seen Some So Called Christians Participating In This Evil Tradition In This Part Of Nigeria. It Is Evil And Detestable Before God.

There is nothing good about this Okhei title because it has really draw us backward. For instance, if you are seeking a political position or any Government position that will require community accent by the king, and it is discovered that you have not been initiated into this occult, then you will not be sign in. Even infants are and were being initiated even when their heart is tabularasa (clean slate), innocent children were being coursed by their parents to do this.

Now, what is good in this act of idolatry? What is beneficial in this act of incest against God? What invention? What education or what scientific learning here, absolutely none. From the beginning to the end of this Okhei project is nothing Godly, nothing good and nothing congenial. This act must be put away and discarded into the abyss of hell, so that the wrath of God will pass over us as a community.

There is nothing to be conserve here because the act is barbaric and dirty like the feasics from a pit toilet. That tradition stinks. Their only benefit is the red cap you wear as a title holder. Do you know that even the Muslims rejected the act in the community?

Okhei Title

GILBERT ODIOR·SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2016

Okhei Title

Arguably, one of the most significant, exclusive enduring social institutions in

Avhianwu culture is the Okhei title. Its importance and exclusivity are attested to by the fact of the paucity of public information about what is actually involved in the initiation rites, details of which are known only to the privileged initiates.

Initiation into Okhei title is the exclusive preserve of males only. Okhei title is so pivotal to the culture of Avhianwu such that initiation into its hallowed portals is sine qua non to conferment of any of the traditional titles that culminate in being an Ukpi drummer- the apex chieftaincy title in Avhianwu culture because you cannot be a traditional ruler if you are not an ‘Oboh’ – a titled man. The majesty of the Okhei title is such that the holders even have a special ecstatic dance – lkphebor-which is performed only by Okhei title holders!

Largely as a result of the binding constraint to chieftaincy title acquisition,

adherents of various religions who had shunned Okhei title as a fetish practice in the past had had cause to resort to seeking to be initiated in order to be eligible for the chieftaincy title they desired. Many of such latter day Avhianwu culture converts had been caught surreptitiously performing the relevant Okhei title rites in the wee hours of the morning to avoid embarrassment! I am strongly persuaded that this practice of nocturnal initiation at the behest of some aspiring initiates degrades the sanctity and essence of the ceremony. In development oriented cultures, events such as Okhei title initiation ceremonies are actively promoted and given wide publicity to attract tourists to visit the host community.

Discretionary adherence to the norms, mores and ethos of a culture is ultimately destructive of the integrity and sanctity of the customs, traditions and institutions of that culture.

Many critics of the Okhei title institution generally anchor their case on a wrong premise borne out of ignorance about the custom that they had never

Experienced in the first place. Unfortunately, tradition does not permit me to

elucidate on the sacredness and mechanics of initiation into the Okhei

Titleholders’ community. Nevertheless, it suffices to say that at traditional and

Social gatherings of Avhianwu, titled men enjoy certain exclusive privileges,

Including a portion of the drinks served at such gatherings reserved for the most senior Oboh present. In the past, they were completely exempted from playing undertakers (ikhagba/igbudu) at funeral ceremonies as such functions were considered beneath the exalted status of a titled man. However, recent cultural reforms have amended that taboo. Nowadays, titled men may perform the functions of undertakers, but only in respect of the corpse of a dead titled man.

The funeral of an Oboh usually includes certain special traditional rites that are not part of the burial rites of the uninitiated ‘Ogbhari’.

Some reforms have been carried out on the Okhei title rites in the past to

Accommodate the changing times. More may yet be required; but these should

Not derogate from the essence of the institution and its importance within

Avhianwu culture. Rather, any further reforms should be geared to strengthening and popularizing the Okhei institution among the people, especially the urbanized youth many of who either do not remember to perform Okhei title initiation for their children or do not see any need for it on the ground of foreign religious beliefs. Yet such people make it an article of faith to rush to America to celebrate Halloween and Thanksgiving every year. The one is an annual traditional ceremony like our … while the other is akin to our Esi festival!

[2:53 AM, 10/7/2017] Phillip Orbih: Can non financial members of OEF post articles on our website?

I see that the Website is littered with articles from non financial members of OEF.

[2:07 PM, 10/7/2017] Taye Anavhe: I just noticed the same trend! I also see copious articles from Christian entities trashing our culture on the pages of our website! And I also revisited one of the ideals stated to be an objective of this forum “To show case our culture.” But these denunciations are clearly contrary to the principles of that objective. Or are we showcasing a distorted culture?

Can somebody kindly educate me on the relatively and connectedness this forum have with the Christian group?

[7:31 PM, 10/8/2017] Taye Anavhe: Something is certainly amiss here. I read articles bothering on the purported evil nature of certain rites inherent in our culture on our website on Friday. Some of these articles have Felix Itsuokhor and Godwin Asekomhe as their author. Today is Sunday and I visited the website again and no traces of those writeups…What happened to those writeups?

[7:42 PM, 10/8/2017] John Anaweokhai: This something that doesn’t not add up here,does modernization of culture entail abolition of culture?

[8:10 PM, 10/8/2017] Taye Anavhe: It depends on who you are talking to. In this instance, I personally see distortion of culture not modenization.

[8:16 PM, 10/8/2017] John Anaweokhai: Well,the okhei stuff of a thing is at the verge of being modernized now in accordance with the recommendations of the Christian Association and the Muslim community.Pls,send your proposals to the Okphe Ukpi in council and believe you will receive a fair hearing.

[8:24 PM, 10/8/2017] John Anaweokhai: But remember the need to have Okhei and other cultural practices modernized came from the palace on out of low patronage.Christains and Muslims were asked to submit proposals.It wasn’t the Christian Association imposing their doctrine on our culture.

[8:26 PM, 10/8/2017] John Anaweokhai: On account of low

[12:00 AM, 10/9/2017] Peter Aigba: Very true this subject was widely discussed about a year ago but sounded like there were no concrete fallouts. It’s difficult to modify culture especially when the modifications is being proposed by Christian. In this debate, today’s Okhei is what it is because of the pack of sacrifices and incantations that are emolliently put together. My question therefore is “Would Okhei retain the same name after being modernized?” This is were I think the cultural distortion comes in, because all the incantations and sacrifices would be a gone. Then would they be replaced with verses of the bible? Even though I do not despise the idea, In a sense, I see a complete aberration however most people seem to agree it’s devilish. The traditional council is worried about low participation and I would think that the growing Christian religion revolution is a key contributory factor. In had opinned that the traditional council does there modification in their own way especially if they also believe that it has the tendebcy to be devilish. This brings me to the second question, “Are the other 3 villages in the Avianwu clan in consonance with the Ogbona Christians Association position on this matter” or is it by this action technically alienating Ogbona from the Clan culturally? I still think the traditional council should handle………..just some food for thought!

[12:15 AM, 10/9/2017] Phillip Orbih: In all of these, I honestly think that the Ogbona Christian Association is delving into issues it should not bother itself with.It is now more like a Political/ Pressure group.You cannot fight for God.

[5:12 AM, 10/9/2017] John Anaweokhai: I was privileged to put Eramha Bamidele Ogbualo’s biography together, based on personal interview conducted by his son. Eramha Bamidele Ogbualo is not only the oldest palace Chief in Ogbona right now,he is also the Oghieboh of his quarter.in the said interview,he stated that his earnest desire is to have okhei completely obliterated of any form of sacrifices.Culture does not exist in isolation without the people’s patronage. how many people are still involved in traditional religion at home today? If you remove the number of Muslims and Christians ,you have an insignificant number left to propagate our culture and your guess is as good as mine on how far that number can go.

I suggest we move to the next level on how to package our culture to attract tourists for economic value.

Okhei Traditional Title in Avianwu Clan By Evangelist Godwin Eshiekhai Asekomhe

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