Ebenezer Adurokiya – Warri
The 21-day mourning of the transition of the Ohworode of Olomu kingdom, R. L. Ogbon, Ogoni-Oghoro 1, Royal Canon, who was the immediate past chairman, Council of Traditional Rulers in Urhobo Nation, has commenced with the booming of 21 canons.
It will be recalled that the 106-year-old monarch, believed to be the oldest monarch across the globe, passed barely a month after the celebration of his last birthday on January 20 with a thanksgiving service after age-related health challenges.
Though he reportedly passed on February 19, the revered monarch’s transition was only announced on March 17 during a meeting of the traditional council at the Ohworode palace at Ogoni Olomu in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Making the announcement, the Otota of Olomu kingdom, Olorogun Macaulay Ovbagbedia, reflected on the transition and the life the centenarian lived.
“We can confirm today that our Ohworode has gone back to God. He lived a good life, he served the government and his people well.
“We are mourning and celebrating, the reason is because he was old yet it is painful,” he lamented.
The Akpile of Olomu kingdom, Olorogun Albert Akpomudje, who also addressed the council, said due to the incident, a 21-day of mourning in the kingdom had begun.
He said that during the 21 days, no form of ceremonies and conviviality, including burials and marriages, will be entertained.
He added that thenceforth, the traditional chiefs will eschew adornment with the traditional red cap and would add black armband to any attire they darn during the period of mourning.
Akpomudje added that before the mourning period expires, a burial committee will be constituted while the proper funeral rites will be announced.
Nigerian Tribune reports that as the Otota of Olomu kingdom, Olorogun Ovbagbedia was making the announcement of the monarch’s passage and was accompanied by the deafening 21 canons to officially mark the royal exit of the centenarian.
Some minutes after, another canon boomed, which, according to an indigene, meant the monarch had arrived his terrestrial destination.
Prior to the announcement, the Ema Dance Troupe of Olomu heralded the exit of the royal father with a frenetic song and dance performance to the admiration of the chiefs.
The monarch was the only Anglican Communion ordained as Royal Canon in the world. He also bagged honorary doctorate degree from the Delta State University, Abraka for his contributions to education.
Ajuwe (My King), as he was commonly addressed till his departure, doubled as the oldest man (Okpako Orere) of Ogoni Olomu community, could still drive the car and read without glasses, with his set of teeth still intact before his transition.
Born on January 20, 1917, the departed monarch was baptised into the Anglican Communion in 1936. He was a retired Inspector of Education under the then Bendel State Ministry of Education.
He ascended the throne as the 12th Ohworode in 1988 when he was 70-year-old and his reign witnessed peace, progress and development in the kingdom.
At his last public event during his 106th birthday celebration tagged “Longevity King,” the departed Ohworode sang songs of praises to God and stated that a man only dies when God approves of it.
The disposition of the monarch and his farewell message on that day was clearly that of a departing eagle, as, according to him, “God, I thank you for your grace, please open your ears to give me long life so I can do that which pleases you all the time.”
“Many people came here today for various reasons because I have been away, but I am here today to thank God. Fear God and do His will. In whatever you do, call on God daily.
“Do your best to follow God’s directive in your life. Have clean hands, avoid stealing and embezzlement of public and individual funds.
“Avoid sexual relationship with other people’s wives and your relatives. Learn to love, forgive and be free of hatred, avoid jealousy and be contented, avoid alcohol and drugs abuse,” the monarch had advised.
