Oba of Benin appoints retired Major-General as Evbonede village head

His Royal Majesty, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin has appointed Pa. Friday Uwadiae Obazee, a retired Major-General in the Nigerian Army as the Odionwere of Evbonede village, Oredo Local Government Area in Edo State.

Oba Ewuare’s Royal approval, which marks a turning point, was conveyed through Chief Uyi Okungbowa, the Obaguehidase of Benin and the Oyeoba of Benin, Chief Isaac Oghafua Oyeoba alongside a high-ranking Palace functionary, to elders of Evbonede village at Oba Palace in Benin City.

In obedience to the directive of Oba Ewuare to elders of Evbonede village, converged on their Ogua’edion, known as Elders’ chamber of the village, where Pa. Friday Uwadiae Obazee’s installation rites were peacefully performed.

The historic ceremony featured prayer of propitiation, with Evbonede ancestral staff (Ukhurhe), and slaughtering of animals for the rite, during the ceremony by Pa. Obazee, who was assisted by the village second most-ranking-elder (Ozukpogieva), Pa. Igbinenikaro Enabulele.

Highpoint was the introduction and unveiling of Mr Imuetinyan Enorense as the youth leader (Okaighele) of Evbonede village by its Odionwere, to elders and the people at the event.

Speaking in an interview, the Odionwere of Evbonede, Pa. Friday Uwadiae Obazee, who pledged his loyalty to the Oba of Benin for the recognition, promised impactful development to the village.

Also speaking, the most-ranking-elder (Ozukpogieva), Pa. Igbinenikaro Enabulele and the newly appointed Okaighele, Mr Imuetinyan Enorense, thanked the Oba of Benin, promised to work with elders of village towards peaceful coexistence and development of the area.

The presence of Enogie of Umegbi, Chief Anthony Osagie and the Enogie Evbovbioba, Chief Lucky Izevbokun, Dukedoms both in Oredo Local Government Area, as a show of solidarity, captured the solidarity, heartfelt moment that made the ceremony a celebration of dedication and loyalty to the Oba.