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Ogbona History and Culture

IN MEMORY OF OKAKU ( Chief MCK Orbih) by Dr.John Odior Anaweokhai

Leave a Comment / Biographies of Ogbona Past Leaders /

IN MEMORY OF OKAKU ( Chief MCK Orbih) Dr.John Odior Anaweokhai: As little children growing up in Ogbona, we never knew that our generic nomenclature of Avhianwu was not used exclusively to describe Fugar people. Oftentimes, one would hear someone saying he was going to Avhianwu, it was later we were made to understand the true position of things but I doubt if much has changed in practice. Ivhiarua and Ivhinone as descriptive entities, have been swallowed by FUGAR. As children, one could not describe the healthiness of the relationship between Ogbona and Fugar. That of Iraokhor was more cordial and mutual, probably because of the proximity but I doubt if the average Fugarian reciprocated symmetrically, the same level of respect we accorded them. There was this unequal rivalry between Ogbona and Fugar. Unequal in terms of size and presence of social amenities. They had pipe-borne water, A grammar school, an Old government residential Area, and later, Fugar City Hotel and Nazareth Hospital. Matters were not helped when Fugar was connected to the national grid in 1986 to the exclusion of Ogbona. There was another factor that seemed to count in their favour, The Oghie Avhianwu of Avhianwu, Chief Alao, was from Fugar. We erroneously conceded the position to them permanently until we were made to understand that it is rotative among the four villages that make up the Avhianwu clan. Chief Alao was surrounded by a lot of powerful personalities like Chief Steve Obaze, Chief Philip Okhumhale, Chief Emmanuel Ugheoke, Chief Anthony Opitoke, and a host of others. In 2000, I was with my cousin, Jude Anaweokhai in Lagos when a boy from Fugar came to visit him. He told us that but for Chief MCK Orbih, they would have permanently, pocketed the position of the Oghie Avhianwu of Avhianwu and I asked him how, he told us that after the death of Chief Alao, all the big guns in Avhianwu met with the sole objective of having the position of the Oghie Avhianwu of Avhianwu reside in Fugar permanently. They were ready to deplore all their resources to achieve the objective but Chief Orbih knew what they did not know. It was discovered that in the early 60s, Chief Orbih caused The EDIOR NE’JIE in Avhianwu to come together and sign a document on how the position of The Oghie Avhianwu of Avhianwu is rotated among the four villages. When the Fugar big guns heard this shocker, they went to Chief Itsueli and he confirmed their fears. On legal grounds, the document could not be challenged because it was over 20 years old, a killer piece of evidence in litigation, it was. Perhaps, Chief Orbih foresaw the direction of things about 30 years earlier having leveraged his political experience. But for his vision, perhaps another senseless and endless litigation would have ensured in Avhianwu. Though his impact was felt most in the political scene which he bestrode like a colossus, he also made his presence felt in the academic world too. A lot of Ogbona sons and daughters passed under his tutelage as a teacher and Headmaster. He was still the headmaster of St. John’s Primary School, Ogbona when he ventured into politics. He was said to combine teaching, his first love with politics. In 1953, at the beginning of formal politics in Nigeria in the real sense of it, Chief MCK Orbih contested and won against Eramha Agunu Akhigbe from Ivhiochie to represent Avhianwu ward at the Local Council Authority as councilor. In 1959, he also won the election to the National House of Representatives in Lagos. The election was said to be keenly contested against Mr. G.M Udochi. Chief Orbih was said to have campaigned with a Pamphlet titled “MY ANSWER TO THE MAN AWAY FROM HOME”. In 1979, he also contested again under NPN but lost. Whatever he lost in that election, was compensated for as Chairman, Governing Board of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. The above journey, no doubt prepared him for the task ahead and put him in a vantage position to contribute his quota to the development of our community. As a member of the National Assembly From 1958 to 1962, Ogbona was confronted with two knotting problems, that of water and the absence of a maternity home which had remained insoluble from time immemorial. 1962, Chief Orbih brought a company manned by an Israeli who had poor command of English, to dig a borehole in Ogbona. The open space beside the Asekhauno family house was chosen as the site for the borehole. The Israeli engineer was said to be fond of commanding people to COME HERE with assented English, before you knew it, the man became known as COMEHEEH. Unfortunately, the exercise was futile due to poor geophysical survey and in the end, it was concluded Ogbona was too hilly and such, had no water underneath. That unfortunate and mendacious conclusion, according to Chief Dan Osi Orbih, spurred his effort to look for water inside Ogbona with superior technology and he succeeded with two boreholes within Ogbona town. The second problem of ante-natal care was confronted head-on as Chief MCK Orbih brought the first maternity home to Ogbona and yours sincerely and his twin brother were delivered there. If Chief Orbih is still well remembered today, it’s because of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital Comprehensive Health Centre at Ogbona that has been named after him. It was one government presence that changed the socio-economic narrative of Ogbona. Apart from the Post Office, it is arguably the only federal government presence in Ogbona. According to the Vice President of Ogbona Elites Forum, Mr. Bernard Kassim Ikhane, as the Chairman of the Governing Board of UBTH, Chief MCK Orbih brought 14 employment letters to Ogbona and without any serious interview, Ogbona indigenes, including himself were given automatic employment in UBTH. Some of the employees relocated to Ogbona as soon as the Ogbona health centre was opened where they worked and

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THE OGBONA THAT FLOWS IN MY VEINS (25) Dr. John Odior Anaweokhai

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THE OGBONA THAT FLOWS IN MY VEINS (25) Dr. John Odior Anaweokhai Between the Odior family and The Ilegah family is the Eshiesimua family. While both families are Ivhianaga kindred of Okotor Quarters, The Odior family is Ivhitse Kindred of Ivhiochie Quarter. The Eshiesimuas were proud owners of one of the three upstairs in the Ivhiebi Quarter. It was made of mud blocks of orange colour. The building was never plastered and like the other three, it soon became dilapidated and was replaced with a model building. Eramha Tsedi and Eramha Tsado stayed there together behind the Ifaorumhes. Eramha Tsedi was the senior but was not as tall as Eramha Tsado. Both of them had beautiful girls whom they guided jealously. Eramha Tsado was a trader but later worked at UBTH Health Centre. He later left Ivhiebi to down Okotor where he built his house before his death. Mrs. Stella Mode is one of his daughters. Eramha Tsedi was tough and hardly welcomed male visitors to his house though I was allowed to visit Roseline and Orele who were my classmates in secondary school. One fate we all suffered in that part of Ogbona is the rough and undulating topography that grossly affected the settlement of Ogbona. It is as if nature conspired with some unseen forces to deny Ogbona equal settlement on both sides of the town. From Ivhiosano to the back of the Otsoi family there is no room to expand inward as the back is full of steep valleys and high mountains. As a matter of fact, that part of the town is inaccessible. Until one drives through Ughieda through Ege Ikpido, one has to resort to trekking and climbing mountains. From the back of Ivhiebi up to the Aikabeli, the story is the same, the valleys are over three hundred feet deep. The place is neither arable nor habitable. Unfortunately, that part of the townhouses is our banana plantation farm. The one closer to the house belongs to my father while the one further down the valley belongs to Baba Nokhua, Eramha Eshiemomoh but they later became known as Eghede Dimka. It was a place we all visited in groups, especially during the dry seasons after the annual Harmattan bushfire. The bush fire provided us with the needed opportunity for gaming. As the fire was burning we would stalk for animals, sometimes we caught squirrels or snakes. That was occasional but that of the banana was regular though somewhat seasonal too. we would cut the bananas, bury them underground and return after five days to do justice to them. My cousin, Eramha Michael, aka, Dimka was in charge. He was very tough and never spared any trespasser but my case was different as I had unrestricted access to either of the plantations. How he came to be known as Dimka beats my imagination. It was a name he gladly answered until the Dimka coup of 1976. He became uncomfortable with the name soon after Col. Dimka was declared wanted over the death of the then Head of State Gen. Murtala Muhammed. One interesting about the banana we harvested directly from my father’s plantation farm was that the money realized from it was for our exclusive use as our mother was not allowed to share the proceeds. Most times, we hawked the ripe ones in the market. I loved the market days then especially when we had bananas to sell. The market was a very big open space with few shades. it extended from the totemic Orokhiyie to the Anabor compound. The Front of the Itsuokor compound in its entirety was part of the market. There was a big Obadan tree that my grandmother used to sell beside the Itsuokor family house. The tree had obviously passed its prime with little or no green leaves. Beside the Anabor house was the ALOKOKO shrine which was rarely opened. Before the Shrine is the legendary dry wood, Utuora Nokai. It is the place where proper initiation into manhood is done after naming from Fugar. Also The Azoganokhai and The Asapokhai compounds though both on opposite sides of the roads, were an extended part of the market too. Both sides were the places where garri buyers used as their shades. One thing we did on market days to make some money was to help convey packaged bags of garri into stores, carrying bags of garri was very interesting. The mature ones among us like Anthony Ilegah, and Aleghe Oyiowhi Ozoh would join hands together and fall the bags on their wrists while we supported them from any side. At the end of the day, one or two kobo would be given to us each. Among our trading partners then were the North Ibies. Ogbona relied on them for scent oil, Avhinopie and earth pots. They bought garri and snakes from us. It was very difficult to see any Ogbona person that ate snakes. If a snake was killed before market day, it would be smoked till the next market day and true to type, The Ibies bought it on arrival without much ado. Also located in Ivhiochie is one of the primary schools, Imhakhena Primary School, now Oboarekpe Primary School. We called it a Catholic school, perhaps, because of its origin as a catholic mission school. Though the Primary school we attended in Okotor was also Imhakhena, we never saw ourselves as one. To us, they were alien and our staunch rival. All efforts by our Headmasters to disabuse our minds of such sterile notions fell on deaf ears even though we always had joint sections on vacation days when results were called. We also competed against outsiders together especially, during football matches. One thing they had in abundance was their Smooth football pitch which contrasted heavily with ours. Our football pitch was rough and divided by a wide path that made it look awkward during matches. They had a big hall like ours which musicians used. Gen. Bolivia

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THE OGBONA THAT FLOWS IN My VEINS (18) Dr. John Odior Anaweokhai.

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THE OGBONA THAT FLOWS IN My VEINS (18) Dr. John Odior Anaweokhai. One did not need any formal lesson to know that Ivhido is one of the four quarters that make up Ogbona. It is one of the smallest quarters in Ogbona. I cannot say precisely if Ivhido is bigger than Ivhiorevhor or vice versa. Ivhido is sandwiched between Ivhiochie and Ivhiorevhor. In the northern part, they are separated from Ivhiochie by the old road. On the west, they share a boundary with The Ayenis and Abu families On the east, they are surrounded by The Akpabor and Adomhere families and interlive with Ivhiochie and Ivhiorevhor on the southern part of Ogbona across the main road. Ivhido originated from two families of Ivhietso and Ivhiobiri and the two Adi from Ivhido are so named. The notable families from Ivhido are the Anyiador, Aikabeli, Dunia, Igbadumhe, Ezuyia, Aimiekhamhe, Eleta and Orbih. The Orbih family is the largest in Ivhido. The way Ogbona is planned and structured either consciously or unconsciously is very fascinating as the four quarters are neatly linked together by a major road. Wherever there was a burial or any other ceremony, it was customary to go around the village in a long procession. The final burial ceremony was very colourful, especially among the women folks. it is traditional for women to participate in every aspect of both the father and mother in law final burial just as she would observe her biological parents. With a horse tail wangling in her hand, the woman’s age mates queued up behind her in a long procession on a route that cuts across the four quarters. Men did go around the whole village but never in a procession. It was worst where in-laws were concerned. With just two people and a drummer, the man would go around the village like somebody running for his dear life on the battlefield. Perhaps, the architect of our socio-cultural polity realized the fact that everything boils down to the man as it would be a duplication of duty if both were to perform similar rites for the departed soul. A lot of importance was attached to the funeral procession, especially during the final burial ceremony as it was a display of splendour, wealth and power. Most families would deliberately refuse to have more than one member in a particular age mate as it would reduce the number of people that would go on procession whenever the need arose. I know a lot of people who found themselves in age grades far below their real age because of this issue. All the same, a procession was treasured in those days and it was the duty of both the man and woman to embark on a procession around the route that linked the four quarters that makeup Ogbona including Ivhido together. Ivhido had Iloh like the other quarters in Ogbona but it was not as spectacular as that of either Ivhiorevhor or Ivhiochie but they carved a niche for themselves with drumming. Whatever they lacked with the conventional Iloh acrobatic displays and toe dance, they made up for in drumming. It was a common practice then to organize waking keeping for young girls preparing to get married. In the mornings, the dance band would go around the whole village. It was a spectacle whenever Elue Ivhido went around the village. It should be noted here that on such occasions the Iloh masquerade was never involved as the drummers were the only ones for the morning processions. throughout the night of the wake, one didn’t need to be told that Elue Ivhido was on display, even a tired horse would be jotted from its deep sleep by the distinctiveness of the drumming that was led by Chief Jacob Orbih. He was to Elue Ivhido what the server is to a computer network. He was really gifted as he led the band with the all passion in the world. Apart from Elue, Agbi dance was another great export from Ivhido. Though it was generally called Agbi Ivhido, one will not be out of place to conclude that the group was peopled mainly by Ivhiochies. This was not an issue as Ivhido was seen as an extension of Ivhiochie. Agbi dance is a pride to Ogbona. They were two in number, there was the Okotor Agbi and that of Ivhdo. Apart from Agenebode where a certain Akpanube had a semblance of the Agbi, it was not close to that of Ogbonas’. Akpanubes’ hadn’t the distinctive rhythmical beat like that of Ogbonas’. Moreover, Akpanube’s Agbi was not as panegyric as ours as he was hurling insults at people. Ogbona Agbi was very unique and well branded and organized. It is not a common dance that one sees every day. it is seen on rare occasions. Gen Bolivia Osigbemhe of blessed memory explored the Agbi genre to its fullest as it formed the mythology around which every other musical instrument danced in attendance. Apart from its enchanting drumming, the rhythm was danced to with measured steps. Agbi singers sing about the exploits of great men and women just as it is used to make commentary on social issues too. Chief Jacob Orbih was their chairman and became known to everybody as chairman. I don’t need to bore anyone with details of his drumming prowess with the Agbi dance. He introduced the bass guitar, unfortunately, he was not as musically savvy as Gen. Bolivia. Ivhido also had Uke dance that was mainly a women’s affair. My paternal aunt, Uwuomha Mary Anyiador was one of their women leaders. I remember drumming for them on one occasion having learnt the skills from Uke Okotor which my grandmother, Uwuomha Iwulavhor Eradi Ikhumhi owed. Beating Uke drum for Ivhido did not happen by chance as I always frequented my Aunt’s house. We used to call Uwuomha Mary Anyiador Inene nae Ivhido. We were not just going there alone to consume food as we also helped her out

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OGBONA THE ENIGMA By Dr. John Odior Anaweokhai

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OGBONA: THE ENIGMA By Dr. John Odior Anaweokhai It is not uncommon to identify a particular tribe with certain characteristics that range from the sublime to the infinitesimal and from the endearing to the despicable. Some people are known to be unforgiving while to others, craftiness, mendacity, and unreliability are their stock in trade. The Ogbona man is not exceptional. On a general note, Ogbona people are known to be high-headed, stubborn, self-will, independent-minded, self-opinionated, highly temperamental but hardworking, honest, humble, frank, bold, courageous, and daring. These innate characteristics, to a great extent, define who we are as a people, what we stand for, how we see ourselves, and how we are seen by the outside world. These noble characters have all through the ages bred suspicions and animosity between us and our next-door neighbors. Of all the virtues, self-assertiveness and independent-mindedness seem to be the major source of acrimony between us and others. No matter the seriousness and precariousness of the issue at hand, the Ogbona man will simply tell you AMHUE MA MIE, Nothing will happen. I remember what happened in 1989 soon after the Ogbona/Imiava war at Ayogwiri when I went on a visit. The Issue came up and I unconsciously told them NOTHING WILL HAPPEN. How that thought crossed my mind and found expression in such an audacious manner, beats my imagination till tomorrow. My host and her friends looked at each other with mouths agape and dilated pupils more out of shock than surprise. They asked me if had also been bitten by the bug and if nothing would happen. According to them, all the Ogbona people they had discussed the issue with gave them similar answers and I just laughed. Through to type, at the end of the day, despite the gang-up and the likes, nothing much happened This does not make it easy to deconstruct the Ogbona man with the ease of the methodology of precise science neither is it an easy ride to explain away the complexity of an entity who fears God and loves his neighbor but with the penchant to fight a cause, even at the expense of his life, to a logical conclusion, with the leeway of the liberal art. He has a voice that refuses to be muffled while articulating his views. He hates crime, dishonesty, and cheating. He believes in the dignity of labour and never begs for handouts from anyone. He believes in the unfathomable capacity of the jungle to meet his and his family’s physiological needs and as such, he wakes up before dawn to explore the limitless potential of the jungle. He understands and cherishes the importance of education, consequently, he will not hesitate a hoot to brave the thorns and bear the stings of life to educate his children. He is independent-minded with no trace of a groupthink mentality. His self-assertive nature, most times, brings him into conflict with others who mistake his independent-mindedness for arrogance. His love for his community knows no bounds and he is stubbornly uncompromising with his love for his kinsman and community. Whenever the independence of another object or being threatens to endanger his independence or that of his brother and community, the canine instincts in him are usually unceremoniously brought to the fore. I strongly believe the Ekperi people and the Imiava people ignorantly mistook these entrancingly endowed characteristics for weakness, of course, at their peril. Political leadership positions in Ogbona are not bought with money or influence. It is always a collective decision of the sage who after a thorough scrutiny of the character disposition of the personalities involved and with honesty as the guiding principle, choose a leader to be their eyes and protect their interest. This singular act does not in any way confer lordship status on such a beneficiary. He remains a trustee of the people, perhaps, a mere servant who is fortunate to stand in the gap for them and he is never spared whenever he derails. The billion-dollar question is what makes the Ogbona man tick and the envy of his neighbor? An exegetical evaluation of the Ogbonan without recourse to his root, is as futile as striving for excellence in calculus without the basic knowledge of algebra. Ogbona, according to oral tradition was the last son of his parents, Eramha Anwu and Uwuomhai Alukoko. It is generally believed that upon arrival from Benin with his extended family members, Anwu stayed briefly in Uzairue before migrating finally with his immediate family to UTUAGBABOR, Fugar, the present-day headquarters of Etsako Central Local Government Area, circa the 13th century. Anwu had four boys, namely, Unone, Arua, Uralo and Imhakhena. Imhakhena was the last child and as such, he enjoyed the exclusive love and care conventionally showered on the baby of the house. Moreover, his mother’s affection for him was beyond measure. She loved his company more than the rest. Very early in life, Ogbona exhibited traces of greatness and independent-mindedness, and very quickly too, he distinguished himself as a farmer/hunter of great prominence, all to the admiration of his parents, especially the mother. The other brothers were loafers who lived off of his farming and hunting prowess. Initially, Imhakhena restricted his expeditions to his immediate environment but later spread his tentacles far beyond Fugar. Most times, he would remain in the jungle for days, a happening that constantly gave the mother great cause for concern. At a point, he started staying for weeks but always came back home into the warm embrace of his mother with enough bush meat. Anytime he was questioned, he would repeatedly say UGBO UNUA. While UGBO means FARM, UNUA means LONG in Bini language and he soon became known as OGBONA. Ogbona was not bothered by his brothers’ laziness as he could well put up with their excesses and he did everything humanly possible to ensure the family lived together in peace and harmony. One fateful evening having sapped his energy on farming and hunting activities, he

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LETTER OF PROTEST – CREATION OF FUGAR CLAN to the Executive Governor of Edo State

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OGBONA YOUTH FORUM (OYF), OGBONA Motto: United For Progress 10TH Day of March 2024. His Excellency, Godwin N. Obaseki The Executive Governor of Edo State, Edo State. Edo State Government House Benin -City, Edo State Your Excellency, Sir, CREATION OF FUGAR CLAN: REPRESENTATIONS TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL UNDER SECTIONS 13, 14, AND 19(2)(C ) OF THE TRADITIONAL RULERS AND CHIEFS LAW OF 1979. We write to bring to your attention the recent act of the Government in the inchoate creation of the Fugar Clan from the Avianwu Clan, Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State. Ogbona is a legitimate entity of the Avianwu clan as created and gazette by the then Bendel State Government. Ogbona Youth Forum (OYF) is an association of sons and daughters of Ogbona extraction by birth, marriage, and paternal and maternal affiliation. Members of OYF reside across Nigeria and the diaspora. Ogbona Youth Forum was founded in 2003, and incorporated Under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matter Act (CAMA)1990 in 2017. Currently, OYF has 7 branches across Nigeria and a diaspora branch. OYF currently has a membership of over 700 Sons and Daughters of Ogbona. OYF would like to bring to your Excellency awareness, that Ogbona is an integral part of the four villages (namely Ivhinone; Ivhiarua; Ogbona; and Iraokhor) that make up Avianwu Clan in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State. These villages co-existed peacefully and successfully with a shared history and culture dating back over 500 years since the migration from the Benin Kingdom in the 15th Century. Your Excellency, it is on record that Edo People all over the world are always proud of you as a Governor with a difference. Stemming from your professional background and a peace-loving Governor with eyes for detail. However, we believe that the Edo State Executive Council has been misled in initiating and subsequent creation of the Fugar Clan. That led to the Edo State of Nigeria Gazette NO.7 VOL 4 Published on 7th March 2024 for the following reasons: 1. AVIANWU CLAN OYF wishes to bring it to His Excellency’s notice that as a peacefully co-existing people, we acknowledge the right of a group of people to seek change and development. However, we strongly believe that such change or growth must be done by the relevant laws and customs of the people as contained in this instance THE TRADITIONAL RULERS AND CHIEFS LAWS OF 1979. Most cohesively, when there has been a shared heritage, history, culture, and tradition for centuries as instituted and passed down by our forefathers. Your Excellency, we believe that the Edo State Executive Council was not transparently led into creating a Fugar Clan. In full accordance with the legal guidance of Section 23 of The Chiefs Law of 1979; the Executive Council is empowered to make a “declaration.” in respect of an existing Clan. The Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law of 1979 presupposes the existence of a Federated Clan based on the custom existing and published in an official State Gazette. The only Clan that satisfies that requirement in this instance is the Avianwu clan. Fugar clan was not created by custom law or legal act of the Government before the 21st of February 2024. Fugar clan does not exist and therefore does not meet the requirement of Section 23 of the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law of 1979. However, if His Excellency would like to believe otherwise, the OYF, here representing the entire Community of Ogbona, would contend at this point, that the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law of 1979 was breached in its entirety in the creation of the Fugar Clan. The law was completely disregarded in the creation of the Fugar Clan. Fundamentally, it may interest your Excellency to know that the Oghievianwu of Avianwu, the Clan Head of Avianwu who is the Custodian of Avianwu Custom and Tradition including the Okpe Ukpi of Ogbona and Iraokhor, with their respective Palace Chiefs and elders of both Villages were not consulted in any form or manner before the purported creation of Fugar Clan. The Edo State Government Gazette published on the 7th of March 2024 referenced earlier is silent on the shared heritage and Customs of the Avianwu Clan. The Gazette did not amend or repeal the Bendel State Government Declaration, Stating the Existing Customary Law Regulating Succession to stool of the Oghievianwu of Avianwu. The Published Government Gazzette fails to address the crucial issue of the Oghieavianwu’s authority in the continuity of our long-standing critical traditional facets in various dimensions that affect the daily co-existence of our people. Critical to this fact is that the Edo State Gazette published on the 7th of March 2024 is ominously silent on the delineation of shared ancestral sites. This raises multiple primary concerns on potential limitations, strategic marginalization, and political undermining of Ogbona and Iraokhor, clearly limiting, and denying access of both villages to previously shared traditional heritage, resources, and sites located within the newly designated pre-supposed territory. 2, THREAT TO PEACE AND UNITY This unilateral decision by a group of people has the potential to disrupt the agelong peace and cohesion that had existed amongst the people of Avianwu. OYF believes that any creation of a clan from the existing Avianwu clan should be done inclusively, appropriately, and cohesively, following the Avianwu Customary Law with the necessary ambit of consultations amongst all villages, the Clan head (Oghievianwu of Avianwu) and all other democratic stakeholders of Avianwu clan. To promote continuous peaceful co-existence, democratic equity, and fairness to foster a strong society. The action of the promoters of the creation of the Fugar clan is tantamount to a few selfish political hawks who do not represent the people but set out to infuse division amongst the people for their self-interest. As expected, a section of the indigenes of Ivhiarua Village has vowed to resist and protest the creation by embarking on an organized protest. OYF fears that this will lead to a breakdown of law and

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Ogbona Community Worldwide – All indigenes of Ogbona, home & abroad

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Ogbona Community Worldwide – All indigenes of Ogbona, home & abroad The Ogbona Community Worldwide Forum is designed to involve all indigenes of Ogbona and will be used for the dissemination of information, announcements, traditional and cultural events, etc. The primary purpose of this forum is to keep us abreast of developments within and outside our community and how to move our community forward. This forum is for every indigene of Ogbona. It is not an elite forum, not an association or a registered body, and not for political or religious purposes, but a social-cultural avenue to foster unity among sons and daughters of Ogbona. —————————————————— The primary purpose of this objective forum is to keep us abreast of developments within and outside the shores of our community. It  is not used for  political and  religious  purposes but a social-cultural avenue to foster unity among  Ogbona sons and daughters anywhere in the world, to move our community forward Rules of  Engagement: * Ogbona interests supersede personal or group interests. *Comic or political posts/clips are not welcome. *The forum is secular. That is, it shall not be used to promote a particular group of religions. *Uncouth word is seriously frowned upon. * Much as it is not political, the forum shall be used to support all Ogbona sons and daughters contesting elections against non-Ogbonan but will maintain neutrality where 2 or more  Ogbonans are contesting against each other. * For now, conflicts or issues shall be resolved by admins. The Ogbona Community Worldwide Forum We welcome everyone to this forum. This is the Ogbona community forum and we should all safeguard it from intruders and non-indigenes of Ogbona. We have allowed everyone without verification and many of us are using pseudo names and business names. It will take some time to put the house in order. Please let us know of non-Ogbona people in the forum

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BIOGRAPHY OF LATE CHIEF JOHN IKUKU ANABOR (THE EKHAYOUNO OF AVIANWU KINGDOM AND THE OGHIE ISESE OF OGBONA LAND) (THE PEACE MAKER) A.K.A OYEGUN

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BIOGRAPHY OF LATE CHIEF JOHN IKUKU ANABOR (THE EKHAYOUNO OF AVIANWU KINGDOM AND THE OGHIE ISESE OF OGBONA LAND) (THE PEACE MAKER) A.K.A OYEGUN This great son of Ogbona land was born into the family of Late Chief Anabor Atogwe and Mrs. Omomhiruevho Anabor about 90 years ago . Late Chief John Anabor had a very humble beginning as the father; Chief Anabor Atogwe was one of the most respected Daodu in Avianwu Kingdom. Though he had no formal education, Chief John Anabor at an early age had a clear vision of what life could be and as such equipped himself with a very high level of intelligence that would help him to transform into greatness. Chief Ikuku Anabor made an indisputably rapid progress in life. He started farming career at an early age under the strict supervision of his father. From the little savings he made from farming, he was able to marry and establish a Trading Business in 1960 and 1961 respectively. His marriage to Miss Fatima Orbih ( a woman of excellence ) brought invaluable and estimable progress to the family . The Trading Business established by “Baba Oyegun” as he was fondly called expanded the status of the business to the standard of a supermarket by 1961. Baba Oyegun trans versed the Eastern and Western parts of Nigeria to buy stock for the expanded business. He started with Onitsha Main market but when the Civil War broke out in 1967, he changed his routes to Ibadan and Lagos market. His main sources for his stock were Dugbe and Mokola markets in Ibadan and Oyingbo, Ebute Ero and Idumota markets in Lagos. In 1971, he further expanded the business to include sales of liquor. As at this period, only off License permits were issued to liquor dealers. He was the first trader to obtain an “on Liecence in Avianwu”  “on License” indicates that you can buy and consume liquor at the place of purchase. Baba Oyegun had a great passion for politics. He was a quintessential politician who remained indomitable and unbeatle in his political career. He was never self-centered as equity and fairness were his political philosophy. His political journey started in 1951 when he became one of the founding fathers of NCNC in Afenmai Division. He later defected to Action Group in 1962 till when the military took power via a coup de tat in 1966. When the ban on political activities was lifted in 1978, he pitched his political tent with the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). He was elected the Youth Leader for Avianwu Ward in 1979 till 1983 when the military struck the second time in 1988, when the ban on politics was lifted again, he became a member of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) and later defected to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the year 2005. He was elected the PDP Ward Leader for Ward 4 in 2011; A position he maintained till his demise on the 3rd of November, 2021. It is historically recorded that this bold and fearless politician never lose election in this Ward inspite of the political intimidations and gangsterism perpetuated by the then Ruling Party in the state. Aside politics, Chief John Anabor worked as a civil servant with the Authorities of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. He was the Head of the Horticulture Unit where he worked meritoriously and compulsorily retired in 2011. Chief John Anabor was a community leader who displayed uncommon leadership qualities. As a result of his sterling leadership qualities and his contributions towards the development of Avianwu Clan, he was honoured with the chieftaincy title of  “Ekhayoumo of  Avianwu Kingdom” by the Late Royal Majesty (HRH Chief P.A Oboarekpe) in the year 2007 . Also, because of his roles in ensuring peace and harmony in Ogbona land, he was installed by the sub-clan head of Ogbona ( HRH Chief Willy Idode) as the Oghie Isese of Ogbona land in year 2012. The Isese Chiefs are the wise men responsible for peaceful resolutions of all family and inter-family conflicts in Ogbona. He was the sage that piloted the affairs of this Palace for almost 10 years. Baba Oyegyun as he was fondly called by his children was an umbrella /pillar of the support to many families. He provided financial, material and guidance services for very many people. He was the patriarch of the Atogwe’s family of Ogbona. He united the entire family and led them in their family meetings which were held weekly. Though he was not literate, he had great passion for education. He starved to ensure that all his children, grand children and foster children got the quality of education they desire. He was full of human kindness. Because of his humane nature, he gave scholarship to five Ogbona indigenes to study in various Higher Institutions of learning. Chief John Ikuku Anabor was born into a Mulism family and given the name “Busari”. He converted to Christianity in 1955 and was baptized into the Catholic Faith in 1957 by Rev. Canaan who was accompanied by Rev. Fr. M. Grace of blessed memory. He wedded his loving wife in the year 2010 to further buttress his commitment to Christendom. He was a cheerful giver and a pillar of support to church development. His assistance towards church development was not restricted to the Catholic Church alone. Chief John Anabor made friends and kept them till old age. He had them in quantum and in droves, both old and young, males and females, strong and feeble, rich and poor, particularly the later. His friendship with Chief Azuaye Umoru was something else. They were like soul mates and siamese twins. Also, Chief Jacob Orbih, though an In-Law to him, was like his twins brother. Emmanuel Otoaye and Mallam Kasimu Esimhekua were his pet friends. He kept them till he went to rest eternally with his creator . Chief John Ikuku Anabor was a socialite who lived a fulfilled life. There

BIOGRAPHY OF LATE CHIEF JOHN IKUKU ANABOR (THE EKHAYOUNO OF AVIANWU KINGDOM AND THE OGHIE ISESE OF OGBONA LAND) (THE PEACE MAKER) A.K.A OYEGUN Read More »

GRAND HANDOVER OF OUR GIVE BACK LEGACY PROJECT AMBIENCE ENTRANCE GATE, OVER 700 METERS FRONT PERIMETER FENCE AND THE SECURITY HOUSE TO OUR ALMA MATER

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WELCOME SPEECH BY CLASS OF 1993 GRAND HANDOVER OF OUR GIVE BACK LEGACY PROJECT AMBIENCE ENTRANCE GATE, OVER 700 METERS FRONT PERIMETER FENCE AND THE SECURITY HOUSE TO OUR ALMA MATER. A very warm welcome to the Honourable Comrade Philip Shaibu, Deputy Governor of Edo State, Most Reverend Dr. Gabriel Dunia, Catholic Bishop of Auchi, Esteemed Special Guests, Royal Fathers, Dignitaries, Current and Former Teachers, Fellow Alumni, Ladies and Gentlemen. We also welcome and thank the Chairman for agreeing to Chair this event. We feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to address all of you on the auspicious occasion of the grand handover ceremony of my Class of 1993 Give Back Legacy project: AMBIENCE ENTRANCE GATE, OVER 700 METERS FRONT PERIMETER FENCE AND THE SECURITY HOUSE TO OUR ALMA MATER. Today is very important for us because it also gives us an opportunity to meet with many graduate students, former teachers, and other staff members almost 30 years after. We also get an opportunity to see the infrastructural changes and developments in the school. It is always a thrilling moment for alumni to come back to their school grounds and interact with new students. The Class of 1993 came together a little over a year ago to foster unity, provide desired assistance to members and give back to the school that nurtured our formative years. What we are celebrating today is the power of unity, resilience, friendship, and collaboration, which led to achieving this and many other accomplishments since our reunion. Once again, I am very happy to welcome you all. We have so many activities lined up today, so I request you enjoy this entertaining evening and leave with fond memories. God bless you all. I will now pass it on to the Chairman of this event. His Excellency the Deputy Governor Edo State, The Catholic Bishop Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia, HRHs, Distinguished Guests, Ladies, and gentlemen. Thank you all for honoring our invitation and sharing this special day with Class of 1993. The Class embarked on constructing a portion of the school perimeter fence firstly to secure the school land, and for the security of students and staff of the school. The idea of the Ambience Gate Entrance is to enhance the prestige and dignity of our Alma Mater and open it up to more possibilities. We consulted with relevant stakeholders on the priority needs of the school before embarking on this onerous but fulfilling initiative. The ground-breaking ceremony held on April 19, 2021, with representation from State Education Inspectorate. We aimed to hand over the project in seven months, being December 2021. Delivering this impressive work of our hands today is a testament to our zeal and tenacity. Fast forward four months later, our class was in ‘fundraising fatigue’ and had to resort to external funding appeal. Our first major endorsements early December was from Chief Dan Orbi, Chief Abu Inu Umoru and my dearest Husband Nnama, who I had to lean on technically and financially from the get-go. Mr. Innocent Anabor, Jane Blankson, Peter Ivaluogwe and I (members of Class Admin), constituted a kitchen cabinet that steadied the ship in faltering moments. Our ever-enthusiastic home girl Emily Aruokhai and Project Engineer/ Supervisor Benjamin Aliu, deserve mention. Today, we can proudly state that we have accomplished approximately 0.7 Kilometre (700 metres) of the front perimeter fencing, brought in ‘NEPA’ light with two high tension electric poles, threw in a few streetlights and even put our school on the World Wide Web! There is still a long way to go to fence the whole school, considering the large expanse of land therein. This is a clarion call to all invited guests, those watching via our live-stream service, Avianwu indigenes in diaspora and people of goodwill, to please give generously towards the fencing of the whole school land. As you are all pleasantly aware, Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited, built and donated an ICT Centre and fully equipped science laboratories to the school, that will be open for use by the school from today! This is a great news that is equally complimented by the imposing new Ambience Gate to herald the New Face of Ogbona Secondary School! We look forward to our great alma matter being made a boarding school and centre of academic excellence. Our school urgently needs government funding and support, including posting quality teachers and taking care of their remunerations. We dare to hope that one day we may be upgraded to a satellite campus and (why not?) a tertiary institution. After all we have the land and clime! Our Class lingo that fired us up in moments of despondency was YES, WE CAN. Today, to the glory of God we can all proudly shout YES, WE DID. May God bless and grant us journey mercies back home to our families. YES, WE DID IT!! Visit us @ www.Ogbonasecondaryschool.com His Royal Highness Chief Willy Idode, welcome address at school building and gate/fence projects handing over to Edo State Government, December 27, 2021 Protocols Today is yet another epoch-making one in our recent history as a community. I am not surprisingly elated, therefore, welcoming your excellency and other  honourable and distinguished guests to this ceremony. As you may already know, two very important projects which are key to the educational development of our community and the advancement of academic pursuit of our children and wards in Ogbona Secondary School are being handed over to the Edo State Government: One-kilometre long perimeter fencing and ambience gate undertaken by the Old Students of Class 1993, and A Block of 15 classrooms; a Reading Room; Principal and Vice Principal’s offices; Staff Common room; 3 Science labs; an ICT Centre furnished with (student desks/Teachers tables/chairs, Lab equipment, Computers/ accessories), Generator House, Generator, Power Supply, and a borehole and 20 toilets. Your excellency, distinguished guests, we are here today because of the benevolence of our children who have pulled their personal resources as well as contacts together

GRAND HANDOVER OF OUR GIVE BACK LEGACY PROJECT AMBIENCE ENTRANCE GATE, OVER 700 METERS FRONT PERIMETER FENCE AND THE SECURITY HOUSE TO OUR ALMA MATER Read More »

PROVISION OF A BLOCK OF CLASSROOMS, COMPUTER LABORATORIES AND OFFICES IN OGBONA SECONDARY SCHOOL, OGBONA EDO STATE

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PROVISION OF A BLOCK OF CLASSROOMS, COMPUTER LABORATORIES AND OFFICES IN OGBONA SECONDARY SCHOOL, OGBONA EDO STATE. Ogbona is a community located in Etsako Central local government area in the northern part of Edo state. Traditionally a rusty agrarian community, the leadership of Ogbona had long realized that importance of education for its children and further understood that the various secondary schools in neighbouring communities where her children currently study are not enough to fully cater for the needs of her wards. Thus, through ardent community efforts and uncommon sacrifice Ogbona Secondary was established in 1980. It became not just the darling secondary school of the Ogbona community, but several neighbouring communities began to send their children to Ogbona secondary school in their droves. In 1984, the then Bendel State government (now Edo state) took-over the management of the school from the community. From the take-over period till date, there was basically developmental efforts from the government to improve or add to the structural and academic facilities of the secondary school. Most of the classrooms, laboratories, offices were dilapidated and in dire need of attention. Due to the deplorable state of the school facilities, the Ogbona community sought the assistance of Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited (EEPNL) to give the school an infrastructural facelift. In 2015, Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of ExxonMobil, as part of their community work, heeded the clarion of Ogbona community and decided to construct a storey building in the school with the following components: 15 classrooms; 3 Science labs; an ICT Centre; a Reading Room; Principal and Vice Principal’s offices; Staff Common room; and 20 toilets. Furnishing and Equipment (450 student desks/Teachers tables/chairs, Lab equipment, 60 Computers/ accessories) Generator House, Generator, Power Supply, and a borehole  ICT Center Procure and install 20’’ Dell LCD Monitors Projector and Screen, Toshiba, Model TDP-PX10U Liaise with a Service Provider and install a Main Server with a broad bandwidth subscription and associated equipment required for connectivity to the school  Classrooms Procure and install Double Desks and Chairs for the pupils and teachers as described in the bill Procure and install wooden tables of dimensions 1.6m long, 0.8m wide and 0.75m high and chairs Procure and install 6 No. 3.0m x 1.5m x 25mm wall mounted dry erase magnetic white board (1 in each classroom). Procure and Supply 12 (twelve) packets of Dry Erase Marker (Non-Toxic MonAmi White Board Marker). Manufacturer – MonAmi Co Ltd, Thailand. Procure and Supply 12 Dusters (2 for each board) Procure and Supply 12 White Board Cleaner Spray (STRONG)  Offices Procure and install wooden tables of dimensions 1.6m long, 0.8m wide and 0.75m high Procure and install Bookshelves each measuring 0.9m x 0.9m x 0.45 and with.  Toilets & Utility Room Drill 150mm uncased borehole by motorized rotary rig to a depth not less than 100m for installation of 100mm diameter casing (cost to include borehole log & log report detailing equipment graphic plot and data interpretation) Provide and construct water distribution lines complete with all necessary fittings from the borehole to elevated tank and from the elevated tanks to the hook-up points in the classroom block. Design and install a mini water treatment plant to make the water potable. Electrical connections of the facility shall be installed in the utilities room in the classroom block as detailed in the electrical sketch and bill Procure and install 450 X 600X 6mm thick float glass silver-colored mirrors  Mobilization for the project started late 2015 and continued through 2016 to 2018. During the construction there were several changes in the business environment that led to revision in the project cost and timeline. The furnishing was separated from the construction, and it took almost 3 years to award the furnishing part of the project. The mobilization for the furnishing started early 2020 but was quickly disrupted by the Covid-19 and restrictions. Furnishing was completed late 2020 and early 2021 but the project could not be handed over to the community due to disruptions from the various waves of the Covid-19 and security. Other communities moved into their buildings without a handover ceremony, however, Ogbona Secondary school was waiting on a formal handover. Today ceremony marks the official moving into the new building and taking advantage of the opportunities it presents. We wish the students and the community the best of learning in this new facility that is about the best you can find in the whole of Edo state. The community is hereby appealing to the Edo State Government for a better staffing of the school to enable the proper utilization of the laboratories, ICT Centers, and other facilities. We thank you for your presence and attention. His Royal Highness Chief Willy Idode, welcome address at school building and gate/fence projects handing over to Edo State Government, December 27, 2021  Protocols Today is yet another epoch-making one in our recent history as a community. I am not surprisingly elated, therefore, welcoming your excellency and other  honourable and distinguished guests to this ceremony. As you may already know, two very important projects which are key to the educational development of our community and the advancement of academic pursuit of our children and wards in Ogbona Secondary School are being handed over to the Edo State Government: One-kilometre long perimeter fencing and ambience gate undertaken by the Old Students Of Class 1993, and A Block of 15 classrooms; a Reading Room; Principal and Vice Principal’s offices; Staff Common room; 3 Science labs; an ICT Centre furnished with (student desks/Teachers tables/chairs, Lab equipment, 60 Computers/ accessories), Generator House, Generator, Power Supply, and a borehole and 20 toilets. Your excellency, distinguished guests, we are here today because of the benevolence of our children who have pulled their personal resources as well as contacts together for the benefit of the younger generation and the community. On behalf of the elders, leaders and people of Ogbona community, I heartily appreciate these donations. Let me thank in a very special

PROVISION OF A BLOCK OF CLASSROOMS, COMPUTER LABORATORIES AND OFFICES IN OGBONA SECONDARY SCHOOL, OGBONA EDO STATE Read More »

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