Momoh Umar Momoh, Benin
Barrister Mike Osarenren Igbinedion has said that his initiation into the Elders Council of Okada community in Ovia North- East Local Government Area of Edo State has placed on him a huge responsibility of promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom.
Mike, is one of the sons of a Benin based billionaire, Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the revered Esama of Benin Kingdom that were initiated into the Elders Council of the community.
Twelve sons of the revered Benin chief were among the 54 men that participated in the ceremony in an age-long tradition that had been abandoned for the past 30 years.
Speaking after his initiation, Igbinedion thanked the elders of the community for considering him worthy of initiation into the Elders Council (Edion age grade).
“This marks a milestone in the journey of my life. This position has placed on me a huge responsibility of promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom”, he said.
He promised to join hands with the elders of the community to preserve the aged long tradition and custom of the people.
Speaking during the initiation ceremony, Pa Samson Idehen, the Odionwere of Okada community, said the age grade comprise of Junior youth aged, (Ighokhae) within 18 and 30 years old bracket, Youths (Ighele) within the age bracket of 30 and 55 years while the Edion belong to the Elders council.
Idehen, said Mike Igbinedion and others have been initiated into the Elders Council (Edion grade) where the Odionwere of the community will emerge according to seniority.
He said joining the Elders Council is a privilege typically reserved for respected individuals, who have served the community, demonstrating wisdom, integrity, and leadership.
He noted that Michael Igbinedion and others, who attained the elders council aged have made significant contributions to the development of Okada community through leadership, service, among others.
According to him, the Elders Council plays a vital role in preserving culture and passing down traditions, customs, and historical knowledge to the younger generations.
“By the tradition and customs of Okada Town, the initiation of Michael Igbinedion makes him eligible to become Odionwere in the future.
“The initiation into the Elders’ Council is a vital aspect of Okada cultural heritage, emphasizing the significance of age, responsibility, and community service,” he said.
The Odionwere, however, commended Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom for revitalizing the age-long tradition of the age grade ceremony which has been abandoned for the past 30 years in the community.
As part of the initiation ceremony, the newly initiated Elders council members moved round the houses of prominent individuals in the community.
