Igbinedion, others initiated into Okada Elders Council
Barr. Mike Igbinedion, a son of Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom, has been initiated into the Edion (Elders Council) of Okada community in Ovia North East Local Government Area.
Barr. Igbinedion was initiated alongside 53 others including Elder Ogbeide Uhunmwose at a colourful age grade ceremony attended by huge crowd and lasted about two weeks.
His initiation followed attainment of a respectable age including his significant contributions to the development of Okada community through leadership, service, or other meaningful ways.
The initiation ceremony involved performance of several ritual and prayers before the initiates were allowed to sit at the Elders Council.
It was gathered that ceremony was last performed in the community 30 years ago.
Odionwere (village head) of Okada community, Pa Samson Idehen, hailed Chief Igbinedion for revitalizing the age grade tradition 30 years after it was abandoned.
Pa Samson, explained that the ceremony was a vital aspect of the community’s cultural heritage that emphasised significance of age, responsibility and community service.
Our reporter was informed that initiation into the Edion was a privilege reserved for respected individuals who have served the community, demonstrated wisdom, integrity and leadership.
It was further learnt that Edion played vital role to preserving culture as well as passing down traditions, customs and historical knowledge to younger generations.
Those initiated were dressed in white attires and made to perform several rituals while Pa Samson pronounced blessings on them before they were offered to sit with the Elders Council.
As part of the tradition, the new initiates into Elders Council visited residence of prominent leaders of Okada community including the residence of Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom.
Barr. Igbinedion, who is Chairman of Wantan Group of Companies, said the initiation has brought honour and glory to the House of Igbinedion.
He said he loved to identify with his cultural roots through his style of dressing.
Another initiate, Elder Ogbeide Uhunmwose, stated that youths between the ages of 18 and 30 were initiated into the Ighokhae while those between 30 and 55 were initiated into the Ighele age grade.
Uhunmwose stated that Chief Igbinedion was present in Okada throughout the duration of d ceremony to ensure its success.
He stated that Edion belong to the Elders council from where the Odionwere will emerge according to seniority.
According to the tradition and customs of Okada Town, the initiation of Michael Igbinedion makes him eligible to become Odionwere in the future.
Those initiated according to tradition and customs, dressed in white traditional attire, were made to undergo some rituals, while the Odionwere pronounced blessings on them and assisted them to take a sit with the elders.
