Ogbona History and Culture

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

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

Celebration of The Life and Times of late High Chief Christiana Erua Anabor (1927 — 2021)

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Celebration of The Life and Times of late High Chief Christiana Erua Anabor (1927 — 2021) By Elias Inaede, The death of High Chief Christiana Amina Erua Anabor has indeed created a huge vacuum in the Anabor’s dynasty of Ogbona town in Etsako Central local government area. She was a woman of substance whose footprints are indelible in the annals of Avhianwu community being an illustrious daughter of Ogbona community, her passage would surely be felt by the entire community. Late High Chief Christiana Erua Anabor was a successful business woman who traded across several States and Regions, a successful Politician, a humanist par excellence and a community leader and a Mobilizer of note. Born on the 5th of May 1927 to the family of late Johnny Emokidi and Omonaya Braimoh Omoakhia of blessed memory in Ivhianagah quarter of Ogbona, her life was an epitome of selflessness, humanity. She was a member of the Avhianwu roll call of honour having performed her cooking Ukpe No khua which means cooking all delicacies for the entire community. Late Christiana Amina Erua Anabor was a reference point till death. She was member of many Cultural Organizations such as Izi,Agbi and Atsamukoko dance Groups among others as a result of her love for her community. It is not the abundance of wealth a man acquires that counts, but the way he or she touched the lives of those around him while alive. As a result of her contributions to the development of her community, she was conferred with a prestigious Chieftaincy title as the Oreghokpe of Avhianwu by the then Oghieavhianwu of Avhianwu Clan, HRH Chief Ajayi Patrick Oboarekpe making her the first woman in the entire Clan to be honoured with a Chieftaincy title. She was also a committed member of the Roman Catholic faith and earned many Awards of Recognition and was sponsored to the holy Pilgrimage to Jerusalem which earned her the Justice Of Peace title. She was indeed a woman of many parts whose sojourn on earth brought transformation and uplifing to the downtrodden and the hopeless in the society. Late High Chief Christiana Erua Anabor was a coverage to the less Privileged and the entire Anabor’s dynasty . Her demise, no doubt has created a huge vaccum in the family. She passed on at a time her valuable services were most needed by the family and the community. She was an icon of inestimable value as a result of her humanitarian and Philantropic gestures. The social ceremony which took at the weekend at Oboarekpe Primary School Playing Ground attracted eminent personalities from all walks of life to the community to pay their their last respect to a woman who did her best to promote humanity. A Requiem Mass was held on Sunday 13th September, 2021 in honour of the deceased at St. John De Baptist Catholic Church, Ogbona. In his homily, the Parish Priest, Reverend Father Philip Omohekhe while quoting from the book of Ecclesiastes said life is vanity upon . The Cleric, Charged Believers to dedicate themselves to the expansion of the gospel and humanity in order to receive the blessings of Almighty God. In his tribute, Eldest son of the deceased, Mr. Moses Anabor described her mother as a selfless woman who made a positive impact in the lives of the people around her and the community. In his farewell message, Mr. Emmanuel Anabor said his mother lived a fulfilled life and prayed God to grant her soul eternal rest. In his remark, Son of the deceased , Mr. Simeon Anabor stated that her mother was the candle that burns on both sides and that her legacies would stand the test of time. He added that it is traditionally and Spiritually bestowed on a child to honour his or her parents. He described her mother as an encyclopedia on cultural heritage While eulogising her, the daughter in-law of the deceased, Honourable Justice Juliet Emmanuel Anabor described her as a loving and caring mother and the best friend anyone could wish to have. The first grand Child of the deceased, Hon. Anthony Oshanor Ogboabor said the deceased is t the grand mother one would love to have and prayed God to accept her soul. Late High Chief Christiana Erua Anabor died at the age of 95 years. She is survived by ten Children and many grand and great grand Children.

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Ogbona Community Creates Traffic In Benin To Protest Against Fulani Herdsmen’s Mennace

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Ogbona Community Creates Traffic In Benin To Protest Against Fulani Herdsmen’s Mennace. Francis Onoiribholo On Aug 30, 2021 The people of the Ogbona community in Etsako Central Local Government of Edo State on Monday created an unbearable traffic holdup in Benin city, the state capital that lasted several hours to stage a peaceful protest against what they described as “the menace of Fulani herdsmen” in their community. Ogbona which is the hometown of Chief Dan Orbih, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) South-South national zonal vice-chairman demanded that the cattlemen should be compelled by the state government to leave their agrarian community without further delay. Carrying placards with different inscriptions such as “Ogbona People of Etsako Central LGA Protest Against Cattle Rearers Destroying Our Land”, “Ogbona People of Edo North are Farmers who survived by our farm products” “Government Come to Our Aid as Our Crops are Being Destroyed by Herdsmen” amongst others The protesters marched through some major streets of Benin city to register their anger. Chief Vincent Otso, spokesman for the community accused the Fulani herdsmen of wanton destruction of their farmlands and crops with their animals. According to Chief Otso, the cattle rearers have uprooted our cassava with which they feed their cattle while trampling on our other crops, including yam tubers which are not spared in the destruction by the herdsmen and their cattle. “We are now afraid to go to the farm because many of us have been beaten up and injured by herdsmen for daring to ask them to stop the destruction of our crops and farmlands. The community pleaded with the state governor, Godwin Obaseki and the security agents to come to their aid so that they can continue to go to their farms to avoid acute hunger the headers are trying to put on them. “So, we are here to let you know that we are tired of their atrocities. We can’t go to farm anymore and the little we cultivated have been destroyed by the herders and their cattle. We want them to leave our land and community. We didn’t give them any land.” He pointed out that the community decided to journey to Benin to express their frustration so that the government can act as they have reached the limit of their endurance and do not want to take the laws into their hands. [8:04 AM, 8/31/2021] Anthony Okhamera: I don’t understand this. You mean our community went to Benin to protest against the takeover of our farm lands by herders? Mr governor should come chase them away all the way from Benin? That will not work because that has not been proven as a viable solution anywhere. We must take the initiative ourselves and chase the intruders out of our community and we do not need to make noise over this. We have by our action, exposed our fright and the herders will take advantage of our fears. Fulanis don’t understand any other language that forceful revenge. When coerced , they will exhibit astonishing fright. [8:11 AM, 8/31/2021] Phillip Orbih: You are right sir.. but I think the Okpe Ukpi in his wisdom wanted to also put it out there for the authorities to know. I personally think we have to resist them. Like what Fugar is doing and also invest in and Fortify our Local Vigilante to make them very effective. We can device means to wade them off without being confrontational. [8:12 AM, 8/31/2021] Phillip Orbih: I also think we should also find away to bring their Collaborators is Experi and South Ibie to order. This is not something we should gloss over. [8:13 AM, 8/31/2021] Phillip Orbih: *in Ekperi [8:25 AM, 8/31/2021] Mike Itsuokor Kadiri: Cannot believe the Bororos are finally in our backyard. Like you said they are lawless and amorphous and border less. A quiet carrot and stick approach would be needed in dealing with them. A good network with our neighbouring communities to forge a common front is urgent in this case [8:31 AM, 8/31/2021] John Anaweokhai: Senior bros, it is not as easy as that.Our problem with the Fulanis is around the Ogbona -Ekperi-South Ibie axes.As a matter of fact, herdsmen are in that area at the behest of the clan heads of those two Kings.Of course , you understand the history of the animosity between Ogbona and Ekperi over that piece of land.As such, whatever can be done to frustrate Ogbona out of that area is readily welcome with joy by the head of Ekperi clan. Unfortunately, our Okphe Ukpi does not have any leverage over any of the two clan heads mentioned above.The Okphe Ukpi needs to appeal to a higher authority who has leverage over the clan heads of south Ibie and Ekperi and it is doubtful if anyone else is better positioned do play that role the the chief executive officer of the state.Will our efforts yield the desired result? [8:34 AM, 8/31/2021] John Anaweokhai: Let me be quick to add that herdsmen destroy our crops at night.The Okphe Ukpi has settled a lot cases involving killing of cows by our people that would have led to something else. [8:41 AM, 8/31/2021] Phillip Orbih: The truth of the matter is that we have to be proactive in dealing with this matter.Once they get comfortable they move to the next stage of kidnapping and Killings..God forbid.In as much as the Okpe Ukpi is doing what he can, we as a body has to come together and plan on our to deal with this problem.It is happening all over the country and we all know. [8:49 AM, 8/31/2021] John Anaweokhai: My brother, I doubt if there is alternative to diplomatic solution.The place in question is not our backyard.Its about 7 to 10 kilo away from home.How do you police that place? In case of eventuality , how do you send reinforcement? We need to be careful about the whole issue , or else, we play into the hands of our

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2021 Esi Day : Ogbona Community in Edo Marks New Yam Festival in a Grand Style

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Esi Day : Ogbona Community in Edo Marks New Yam Festival in a Grand Style – By Elias Inaede, Festivals are celebrated to promote oneness and unity among communities and to also appreciate Amighty God for bumper harvest. The 2021 new yam festival celebration in Ogbona community is unique and historic in the annals of Avhianwu Clan in Etsako Central Local Government Area. The reasons are not far fetched. It was an opportunity for the community to showcase their rich cultural heritage. The ceremony also showcased the level of unity and cooperation among the people of the area. It was also an avenue for reunion and portrayed the exemplary leadership qualities of the community Head, HRH Chief Willy Idode whose reign has brought peace, unity and sustainable development to the area. In his opening remark, Okphe Ukpi and the traditional Ruler of Ogbona, HRH Willy Idode, said the Festival was celebrated to show appreciation to God for a fruitful harvest at the end of every farming season.. He urged the people to continue to embrace peace and dialogue to achieve sustainable growth. While wishing the people happy celebration, the Royal Highness sued for cooperation and support among the people He appealed to the Federal Government to create Ranches for Nomadic helders to prevent farmers/ herders clahes in order to stop Cattle from destroying their crops. On his part, the Oghieavhianwu of Avhianwu and Paramount Ruler of the Clan, HRH Alhaji Jackson Daoda Etokhana commended the community for their unity and show of love during the celebration. Alhaji Etokhana urged them to keep faith with the traditional institution to achieve the desired goal of taking the community to the next level of development. The Custodian of Esi Festival and Eldest man in the Community, Pa Aluoghor prayed for more blessings, peace, unity and sustainable growth in the community. In his paper presentation entitled ” the Roles of the Community in the Provision of effective Security” the Egboise of Ogbona, Chief Vincent Otsoi thanked the Sub Clan head for his leadership qualities that has brought transformation to the area. He urged the people to work as a team and called for frequent surveillance of farms to checkmate any external invasion and also called for adequate financing of local Vigilantes to encourage them to put in their best. In their separate contributions, Chief George Kadiri , Chief Stephen Apakhade, Chief Otse and Chief Mathias Akpaibor, said Esi Festival is Biblical as instructed by God in the book of Deuteronomy where God asked for first fruits to be shared to the Priests and the Levites. In an interview with newsmen, an indigene of the community and retired Commissioner of Police, Chief JET Oshiomhogho urged the people to believe in their tradition, adding that they are following the path of their Ancestors. The former CP asserted that people should be proud of their way of life to justify their reason of existence. Visitors were treated to a lavish reception. Popular Edo Musicians King Benji Igbadumhe and Mayor Constance Bolivia Osigbemhe and other traditional dances thrilled the guests with special numbers. Highlight of the ceremony was the cutting of the festival cake and presentation of Yams and Melons by the various Age Grades to the community. 2021 Esi festival : Ogbona Community Distributes Yams to Elderly, Widows, Less Privileged –By Elias Inaede In demonstration of their commitment and love to the welfare of the people, the Ogbona traditional Council in collaboration with the elders and stakeholders in the community have shared the donated Yams, grains, garri etc. during the Esi festival to the elderly, the widows and the less Privileged in the Society. In his remark during the sharing of the Yams in his palace, the Okphe Upki and Sub Clan head of Ogbona Community, His Royal Highness Willy Idode, said,the gesture was in fulfilment of their pledge to provide exemplary leadership to the people. He sued for unity and cooperation among the various Socio- Cultural Organizations in the community to continue to achieve sustainable development and urged them to sustain the tempo. It would be recalled that the Ogbona 2021 new Yam festival will remain remarkable in the annals of Avhianwu Clan. Esi Festival : OYF President, Congratulates HRH Willy Idode, Others Over Successful Celebration. By Elias Inaede National President of Ogbona Youth Forum, Mr. Eddy Umole, has congratulated the traditional Ruler of Ogbona community, HRH Willy Idode over the successful celebration of 2021 New Yam festival. In his congratulatory message, Mr Eddy Umole, said, this year’s new yam festival celebration was symbolic in view of the activities that climaxed the epoc making ceremony. The OYF President also congratulated the Ogbona Traditional Council for their wisdom to organize such an historic event. While commending the Okphe Ukpi of Ogbona for his leadership qualities that has united the people and brought sustainable development to the area, the OYF President said he is committed to serving the community better and sued for unity and cooperation to take the community to the a greater height. He also appreciated the custodian of the festival and the Odior of Ogbona, Pa Aluoghor whose reign has brought revival to the community. He enjoined Sons and daughters of the community to join hands with the traditional Ruler to continue to attract more development to the area.

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Biography of Chief Thomas Ajayie Osigbemhe JP

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Biography of Chief Thomas Ajayie Osigbemhe JP Chief T.A Osigbemhe (nicknamed FLAMES), Principal Edo College from March 1973 to September 1977. At Edo Co1lege he revived discipline staff and students and maintenance of high academic standard in the face of dwindling resources of the period. Chief Inspector of education of all schools in the Unified Teaching Service Board. Sole Administrator/Chief Executive officer of Bendel State Health Services Management Board 1978 -1980 Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education on 21st November, 1980, even though he was one of the most junior officers among the Chief Inspectors of Education in the Ministry Retired voluntarily on 17th January 1984, after 38 years in the Education Industry of Bendel State. Chief Osigbemhe was called upon by the Ogbona community to take up position of the Head of the Village – OKPHE·UKPI OF OGBONA in August 1994 Chief Thomas Ajayie Osigbemhe J. P. the Okphe Ukpi of Ogbona was born in 1930 the exact date not being recorded because his parents were not literate. However from events that occurred during the period his birth was between January and March of the year. His father Osigbemhe was the son of Omokpo who hailed from lvhiavhe quarters in lvhiarua Village, one of the villages that make up what is today referred to as Fugar town. His Mother Omugha also hailed from lvhiarua. He was the second son of Omugha but the third Child. His father like all able men of his time was polygamous. Chief Thomas Ajayie started working as a Pupil Teacher in January 1945 as a Probationary teacher on a salary of 15s (fifteen shilling.) equivalent of N1. 50k a month of today. He taught as a pupil teacher in Roman Catholic Schools at lviukuwe, lbie Nafe and Uzairue, before proceeding for Training as a Grade II teacher in St Thomas College lbusa. He was the School Senior Prefect in-his final year. In 1951 he obtained Grade II Teachers Certificate and returned to teaching under the Roman Catholic Mission at St. John Bosco’s College (Teacher Training) Ubiaja from January 1952 to September 1957. At St. John Bosco’s College he taught Arithmetic, History, and School Methods at various times, depending on the vacancies available and the scarcity of versatile teachers. In addition to our Teaching load he was required to be ready to teach Religious and Moral Instruction conduct and supervise teaching practice, and performing the duties of Housemaster when called upon to do so. In spite of this heavy schedule he found time to undertake private studies through postal Tuition through which he was able to pass the G.C.E. (Ordinary and Advanced Levels), which enabled him to gain admission in 1957 to the premier and only University at the time in Nigeria, University of 1badan. In June 1960 Chief T.A. Osigbemhe graduated with Bachelor of Arts, London degree from the University College, Ibadan under special relations with the University of London, three months before Nigeria gained political independence from Britain. Realising at this time that his calling and vocation as education he returned once more to teaching and took up appointment as a Graduate Teacher at Western Boys’ High School Benin City, a private Grammar School founded by the pioneer education Proprietor, and Chief Airewele. His Civil Service career started ln January 1961 when he was appointed an Education Officer under the Western Region Government and posted to Edo College and later in April 1961 was posted to Government College Ughelli. At Government College Ughelli he taught English and History in both the School Certificate and Higher School Certificate Classes from then on till October 1967. He also introduced the teaching of Economics into the H.S.C. curriculum. During this first tour to Ughelli Government College, (according to the Civil Service usage) he also performed the duties of a Housemaster from 1962 – 1967 and in this capacity he contributed his quota to the Spartan Discipline for which the college was noted. In 1966 he also became the Acting vice Principal of the School and got his first official initiation into the details and intricacies of Secondary School Administration and Management. He joined panels of inspectors in inspecting Secondary Schools and writing reports of such inspection a regular exercise which, to a great measure enabled Government College spread its method and high academic standards among such neighbouring schools as Anglican Girls’ Grammar School, Ughelli; Urhobo College Effurun; James Welch Grammar School Emevor; Hussey College Warri, and Notre Dame College Ozoro etc. These schools became centres of excellence in their own rights both in academic work, sports and discipline. Any old student of these schools will proudly point to the years 1962 -1966 as their finest years of achievement in all fields. In 1968 he was promoted to the rank of Senior Inspector of Education, and his transfer to Benin City to take charge of the field inspectorate as Principal Inspector of Education Benin Province (in charge of the present Edo State and Delta North senatorial District minus Ndokwa Local Government Areas of today Delta State). This area was later zoned into three Education Inspectorate Areas of Auchi (covering the present Edo North and Central senatorial Districts}; Benin City and Agbor. He was then posted to take charge of the Auchi inspectorate area in August 1968. In January 1970 he was again posted to the Ministry’s Headquarters to take charge of Examinations as Registrar, by September 1970 he was sponsored by the Government to do a post graduate Diploma in Education Course at the University of Ibadan. On successful completion of the course in June, 1971 he was posted back to Government College Ughelli as Duty Principal to the last expatriate head of the institution, Mr. J .E. Jones. His duties were more of administration and little of teaching. Mr. Jones left the discipline of the School entirely in his hands. It was the success of his methods of maintaining discipline at Government College Ughelli that led the Ministry to nominate him as the officer to head

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Esi 2020 : Ogbona Community Celebrates New Yam festival in a Grand Style

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Esi : Ogbona Community Celebrates New Yam festival in a Grand Style By Elias Inaede, Ogbona ( Etsako Central) As part of efforts to prevent their cultural heritage from going into extinction, Ogbona Community in Etsako Central local government, has held the 2020 ESI (New Yam festival ) celebration in a grand Style. Expectedly, it was a ceremony that attracted the traditional Rulers,the high and mighty to the community to rejoice with them over a bountiful harvest in the last farming season . It was also, an avenue for the people to showcase their rich cultural values to their visitors who came from far and near to witness the historic ceremony.Historic in the sense that, the festival showed the cooperation and unity that exist among the people. In his opening speech, the traditional Ruler of Ogbona Community, His Royal Highness, Willy Idode, while declaring the ceremony open, said , the essence of the festival was to show appreciation to God for a bountiful harvest in the last farming season. HRH Idode, urged the people of the community to promote things that unite the people rather dwelling than on capable of causing division in the community. HRH Idode, who doubles as the Okphe Ukpi of Ogbona, further asserted, that there was need for the people of the to live in peace and unity to attain sustainable growth and development. According to the Sub Clan Head, Esi (new yam festival) is celebrated as a sign of thanksgiving to the creator for His provision and protection over the people . Also speaking, the Egboise of Ogbona, Chief Vincent Otsoi, said the festival was all embracing and all encompassing. He said, the festival was a ceremony that cannot be bruised aside as a result of it’s importance to the unity of the community. He further maintained, that, the ceremony brings reunion among friends, Age groups, social cultural organizations and relatives among others. Various traditional dances added colour to the occasion. In attendance, were the Okphe Ukpi of Ivhiunone Sub Clan, HRH (Engr.) Emmanuel Ogah, Onokhaole the 2nd, Colonel Francis Otsemobor Igbanor (Rtd), Chief Jacob Aletagbor Okhipo, Mr.Godfrey Imoagene, among others. Highlights of the Ogbona 2020 EsI day was offering of prayers for peace in the land and presentation of tubers of yams and melon by the various men and women Age Groups in the community to Cater for humanity.

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

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

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THE AMAZON, MADAM ODODOIBO OBEAKEMHE & THE ANTI-TAX RIOT OF 1961/1962

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THE AMAZON, MADAM ODODOIBO OBEAKEMHE & THE ANTI-TAX RIOT OF 1961/1962 History pages are strewn with women contributions to the emancipation of human race. Often times, they risked their lives, broke with traditions, overcame gender barriers and jumped in where even men would fear to trend. Queen Amina of Zaria and Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome Kuti easily come to mind. The Aba women riot of 1929 is still as fresh as ever. Unfortunately, for reasons best known to historians and more out of ethnic bigotry than subtle display of chauvinism, the heroic contributions of Uwomha Ododoibo Obeakemhe to the liberation of Avhianwu people from the burden of the obnoxious tax regime known as Schedule 2 (SEDETU)from the local authority is not mentioned anywhere in the history books. Worse still, even at the local level, there is no memorabilia in her honor for her heroic deeds. Before any form of rigmarole, the questions are immediately propelled, what is the meaning of ODODOIBO and who is Mrs. Ododoibo Obeakemhe? Ododoibo means the glittering cloth of the white race or the glittering flower of the white race. (a very pretty woman) Ododoibo was the great and brave daughter of Omosue (aka Onuguna) of Ivhianaga quarters, Okotor Ogbona. Her mother was Mrs. Anwuekpe of Ivhiobere kingdom, Ivhido, Ogbona. Late Ododoibo was born circa 1894 and got married to Late Obeakemhe Onaikpe around 1912. She died in May 1975. She was among the first uneducated women to travel out of Ogbona to visit her first son who was a driver to the king of Ondo. Her visit to Ondo exposed her to western education and the business world. Upon her return from Ondo, she led a protest to the then village head, late Okozi Ebeto that girls who normally went out naked as it was the practice, should be allowed to tie wrapper around their waist. She also leveraged her business experience in Ondo and got involved petty trading. She was fully engaged in trade by barter as she would go to Osomhegbe Ikpata markets to exchange ume (camwood) with fish. She would in-return, sold (exchange) the fish obtained for other items. she was indeed, a rally point in the community. She was also a woman leader in Ivhiochie when politics was introduced in the late forties. HER INVOLVEMENT IN OGBONA WOMEN RIOT OF 1961/1962 Prior to the attainment of political independence in 1960, the tax law that was practiced in Nigeria was pal tax. That is, every person irrespective of political affiliation was expected to pay the same amount as tax. Upon attainment of political independence, the western Nigeria Regional Government (ACTION GROUP) enacted a tax law that was discriminatory in nature. Schedule 2 (sadetu) of that tax law was targeted at political opponents who were expected to pay higher tax because they belonged to the opposing party. The NCNC was also guilty of such political victimization too, being the party at the federal level. The season witnessed unwarranted arrest of some political opponents who could not pay the schedule 2 tax notices served them. Some people absconded from their homes in the village to hide in their farm for several months for fear of being arrested by tax law enforcements officers. In November, 1961, some tax enforcement officers from the Afenmai Divisional Council Office at Auchi were deployed to Ogbona to enforce collection of the higher taxes. The tax men invaded Ogbona as early as 5.00am in a bid to arrest the tax evaders who mainly were members of the opposition party in the western region. Some men were arrested and bundled into a waiting van. Tax collectors had able allies in the persons of Mr. Tenebe, the then maternity dispenser who collected taxes for the council and Mr. Opel Ayalomhe who was in charge of issuing receipts. But, for the bravery of Ododoibo who mobilized some other women like Isomhepo Enamhegbai, Omomhirue Anabor, Aretsa Oboarekpe, Omhonaya Ebraimah-Ikoko, and a host of others, Ogbona men would have remained pawns in the chessboard of tax men. The women barricaded the road to Auch, disarmed the tax officers and freed those already arrested. The driver of the vehicle and the tax officer were asked to leave the village for peace to reign. The women were dressed in native farm uniform of EGBU thus signposting the readiness for war at the least provocation. The tax officers made several attempts till early 1962 to arrest some indigenes of Ogbona but each attempt was met with stiff resistance and consequently foiled by the protesting women who were ready for any show down. The protest lasted for more than four months. Though the protest did not completely cancel the obnoxious tax regime, it spared the men from the humiliation of being bundled into waiting van like common criminals. Again, it brought about civil proceedings as those who were excessively taxed had the opportunity to seek redress in Fugar and appeal in Auchi. Things were said to be so bad that a woman had to carry her husband on her back to farm in order to escape the plying eyes of tax collectors in Iraokhor. Upon discovery of her prank, the man fell from the back and ran into the bush to the amusement of everyone. Uwomha Ododoibo’s action was said to have spurred Iraokhor women into similar action to save their men from further humiliating tendencies. Her political activism also came to the fore when the election between Chief M.C.K Orbih and Chief G.M Udochi in 1964 was rigged in favor of Chief Udochi at Okpella. As a matter of fact, there was no election as fictitious results were written at Okpella. Uwomha Ododoibo organized and mobilized everybody to Assumpta School, now Saint Angela’s Girls Secondary School Afashio were results were being collated. Within a short time, the place was taken over by Ogbona people with the sworn mission to raze it down with fire. It took the intervention

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

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

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

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