ASCESION TO THE THRONE
Consequent upon review and revocation of the wrong, vague, vexations and unacceptable gerontocracy (Odionwele) Ighodalo Commission’s declaration contained in Gazette No. 51 Vol. 16 of 28th September, 1979, Bendel State Legal Notice No. 138 of 1979 of the Appropriate Authority of Government in accordance with the enabling Laws, a befitting Installation Ceremony, prepared and performed on 28th December, 1991.
Appointment Letter No. CH. 176/Vol.IV/385 dated 23rd July, 1991 Gazette No. 36 Vol. 28 dated 17th July, 1991 B.S.L.N 14 of 1991 Address of Welcome by the Onogie of Jagbe dated 28th December, 1991.
CORONATION ADDRESS by the Government presented to the Jagbe Community on the Occasion.
MILITTARY GOVERNOR’S OFFICE
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR’S
DIRECTORATE OF LOCAL GOVT. & CHIEFTAINCY AFFAIRS
P.M.B. 1081
BENIN CITY
BENDEL STATE OF NIGERIA.
Our Ref:
Your Ref. NO. CH.176/Vol.IV/385 23rd July, 1991
Prince Umoru Omogwa,
The Onogie (Clan Head) of Jagbe,
Afogie Ruling House,
Royal Palace,
Jagbe Clan,
u.f.s. The Chairman,
Etsako Local Government Council,
Auchi,
Appointment of Prince Omoru Omogwa as the Onogie (Clan Head) of Jagbe in Etsako Local Government Area
1. I am directed to inform you that the State Executive Council has approved your appointment as the Onogie (Clan Head) of Jagbe in Etsako Local Government Area. Your appointment takes effect from the 1st of July, 1984.
2. Appropriate steps are being taken to publish your appointment as the Onogie (Clan Head) of Jagbe in the Bendel State of Nigeria Gazette.
3. Please, accept my hearty congratulation.
(J. O. Agbi)
for: Deputy Governor
Supplement to Bendel State of Nigeria Extraordinary Gazette No. 36, Vol 28 of 17th July, 1991
-Part B
B.S.L.N. 14 of 1991
TRADITIONAL RULERS AND CHIEFS EDICT, 1979
Declaration of Customary Law Regulating Succession to Traditional Ruler Title.
Date of Commencement: 1st July 1984
It is hereby notified for general information that in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 7 of the Traditional Rulers and Chief Edict, 1979 and by virtue of all other laws enabling it in that behalf, the Executive Council of the Bendel State of Nigeria has approved the following declaration.
DECLARATION MADE UNDER SECTION 7 (2) OF THE TRADITIONAL RULER AND CHIEF EDICT, 1979 STATING THE CUSTOMARY LAW REGULATING SUCCESSION TO THE TITLE OF ONOGIE (CLAN HEAD) OF JAGBE.
1. There is only one Ruling House in Jagbe known as Afogie Ruling House.
2. Succession is by primogeniture and females are absolutely barred. Should an Onogie (Clan Head) die without a surviving male child, succession passes to his eldest survng brother and his heirs.
3. If the heir-apparent is a minor at his father’s death, his eldest surviving paternal uncle acts as Regent until he attains majority.
4. Upon the demise of an Onogie (Clan Head) the eldest man in Afogie Ruling House announces it first to the Village Head of Ihalemen and the various quarters of Ihalemne village and thereafter to the other village Heads of Imiokono, Ikhua and Imiogian.
5. Interment of the deceased Onogie (Clan Head) takes place within two days after his demise, followed by burial rites and ceremonies in accordance with Jagbe custom.
6. Installation of the Onogie (Clan Head) designate takes place two weeks after the 40th day burial ceremony by five kingmakers (the five oldest men) in the Ruling House.
7. B.S.L.N. 138 of 1979 published in Bendel State of Nigeria Extraordinary Gazette No. 51, Volume 16 of 28th September, 1979 is hereby revoked.
DATED at Benin City this 12th day of July, 1991.
ABDUL UMORU,
Secretary to the State Government,
Bendel State.
AN ADDRESS OF WELCOME BY HRH UMORU OMOGUA ON THE OCCASION OF HIS CORONATION AS THE ONOGIE (CLAN HEAD) OF JAGBE ON THE 28TH DECEMBER, 1991
MILITARY GOVERNOR OF EDO STATE,
EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR ELECT,
DEPUTY GOVERNOR,
SERVICE CHIEFS
OMO N’OBA, N’EDO, UKU AKPOLOKPOLO
THE OBA OF BENIN OR HIS Representatives,
DIRECTORS GENERAL,
TRADITIONAL RULERS
CHAIRMEN,
MY LORDS, SPIRITUAL & TEMPORAL,
ALHAJIS, IMAMS & ALHAJAS,
CHIEFS,
DISTINGUSHED LADIES & GENTLEMEN
I wish to say that I am overwhelmed with joy by the massive turn out of all the people present here today to grace this life time occasion of my Coronation.
I want to seize this opportunity, on behalf of myself and the entire people of Jagbe Community to welcome the governor and his entourage, Your Royal Highness, all the V.I.P’S (all other protocol observed) that are present here today for this occasion. Words are inadequate to welcome you to our midst, but we sincerely hope that the expression of happiness and joy being demonstrated by my people today is a clear testimony that we are peace loving community and always thankful.
I, as the Onogie (Clan Head) of Jagbe and my Council of Chiefs along with the entire Community welcome everybody present here for honoring our invitation. We pray God that our roads and drinking water will be kind to you during your presence in Jagbe.
As you are all aware, there was an error in the declaration of Jagbe Throne. We applied and seek redress for rectification through one of the Government Agencies, which lasted for well over 12 years after my father naturally left the throne in 1979. My people and I are very thankful to the State government for graciously settling the rift.
In this connection, I wish to express my profound gratitude to the Estako Traditional Rulers for their understanding patience and moral support and Etsako Local government Council generally for the kind assistance to make the ceremony a success. I also wish to thank the people of Jagbe for their support and good will and appeal to them to continue to live in peace and harmony. It is my motto that I will stand as father to all Jagbe people and to make the Clan indivisible community irrespective of any differences of opinion because unity is strength and development.
To cap it all, this address will not be complete if I fail to request the Governor to kindly help in whatever way possible to provide us with some basic amenities such as good roads, water, electricity and hospital etc. which Jagbe is lacking. I prayed that he road would soon be tarred courtesy of then Governor. We, on our own are fully prepared as it has been n the past to support the government through communal labor. We therefore, hope that the Governor will be kind enough to come to our rescue.
Once again, I thank you all for gracing this memorable ceremony with your presence.
I pray to the Almighty God to guide and guard you safely back home.
HRH UMORU OMOGUA
(Ogbekhiulu IV)
THE ONOGIE (CLAN HEAD) OF JAGBE
28TH December, 1991.
AN ADDRESS OF WELCOME PRESENTED BY THE JAGBE COMMUNITY ON THE OCCASION OF HIS CORONATION OF HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS UMORU OMOGWA OGBEKHIULU AS THE ONOGIE (CLAN HEAD) OF JAGBE ON THE 28TH DECEMBER, 1991
MILITARY GOVERNOR OF EDO STATE,
EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR ELECT,
DEPUTY GOVERNOR,
SERVICE CHIEFS
OMO N’OBA, N’EDO, UKU AKPOLOKPOLO
THE OBA OF BENIN OR HIS Representatives,
DIRECTORS GENERAL,
TRADITIONAL RULERS
CHAIRMEN,
MY LORDS, SPIRITUAL & TEMPORAL,
ALHAJIS, IMAMS & ALHAJAS,
CHIEFS,
DISTINGUSHED LADIES & GENTLEMEN
We have the honor and privilege to welcome you all to Jagbe for the epoch-making of a Coronation. Today’s occasion, no doubt, will witness and mark the historical event of official Coronation of the Onogie of Jagbe, His Royal Highness, Umoru Omogwa Ogbekhiulu. It is an actuality of Government’s belief in truth of administration to implement the correct custom for Jagbe in a unique form. This is in conformity with the common heritage particularly in Etsako and in Benin Kingdom generally. Thus, the gaps have been filled and the contradictions sent to oblivion. For 12 years, Jagbe Clan has been living without an official Onogie (Clan Head) although all the customary laws were performed by the Kingmakers of Ihelanmen after the 40th day burial ceremony to avoid vacuum which the custom forbids.
This throne of Oba or Onogie by Royal Family heritage was brought about to Jagbe by “UJAGBE”, a native of Enyaen in the Old Bini Kingdom at about 16th century ago. It has passed so many people of the same family lineage through to Ogbekhiulu, the eight Onogie, while Oroabhunu became the ninth and Omogwa the tenth Onogie of Jagbe, who joined his ancestors on the 24th April, 1979. His surving first son is Umoru Omogwa now His Royal highness has been living in Lagos spinning and weaving in a Textile Industry where he worked and served in various capacities. He has acquired such experience that would make the management of affairs particularly in Jagbe an easy task.
We are glad that everything became a successful exercise at this particular time of our history. It was a coincidence designed by Allah at this period when Benin Empire was liberated and restored to her cultural humility and natural perspective. Our Onogie’s official appointment and Coronation happened side by side with the restoration of homogenous Edo into a State. You will agree with me that these are signs of good things ahead of us all.
At this junction, we have to express our gratitude to the Governor, the Executive council, the Secretary to the state Government and the appropriate authority for the honour done Jagbe Community on this occasion and also we thank all the Etsako Traditional Ruler, all the officials who relentlessly worked for the success we are now celebrating.
The best is always got out of Edo people. We are accommodating, politically conscious and religious tolerant, law abiding and peaceful. We excel in other human endeavour. We can say that Edo has the best religious mixture in the world. These act has been found among our people in the past and they have made us second to none. Our acts are not shameful but rather worthy of emulation.
Oliver twist is always asking for more. We have got an official in the person of his Royal Highness, Umoru Omogwa, the Onogie (Clan Head) of Jagbe. Mr. Governor, we would seek your indulgence to request for those things they call basic amenities, although we have sent a letter in this regard. The only linking to Jagbe to the outside world was duen-duen (constructed) by one of our illustrious sons, Mallam Ahmed Aire based in Kano in 1986 and we are still waiting for the promise of assistance by Government to tar it. We like water too and electricity.
My Governor, SIR, we are now full of joy. Therefore, on behalf of kingmakers of Ihilanmen Royal family and Jagbe people we thank you all for making this Coronation a huge success. We also very warmly congratulate the Onogie (Clan Head) of Jagbe. Onogie kha tun-okhaele Isee.
Thank you, Almighty Allah guide and protect you all.
JAGBE 28th December, 1991.
ADDRESS BY THE MILITARY COVERNOR OF EDO STATE, COL. JOHN EWEREKUMOH YERI; psc, ON THE OCCASION OF HIS CORONATION OF HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS UMORU OMOGWA OGBEKHIULU AS THE ONOGIE (CLAN HEAD) OF JAGBE ON THE 28TH DECEMBER, 1991
Mr. Chairman,
Members of the State Executive Council
Chairman, State Council of Chiefs,
Omo N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba of Benin,
My Lords, Spiritual and Temporai
Your Royal Highness,
The Chairman, Etsako West Local Government
Chairman of Local Government here present,
Chiefs,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It gives me great felicitations to be here on this epoch making occasion of the coronation of his Royal Highness, Umoru Omogwa as the Onogie (Clan Head) of jagbe in Etsako West Local Government Area. The coronation ceremony of which we are gathered here today is the climax of a series of tradition rites and ceremonies marking the ascension of his Royal Highness to the exalted throne of his forbear. I therefore, on behalf of myself, the Government and the people of Edo State, congratulating His Royal Highness and the people of Jagbe on this August occasion.
This historic importance of today’s ceremony is informed by the fact this is the first time that such a ceremony will be performed in Jagbe clan. It is worthwhile at this juncture to restate the circumstances leading to the appointment of His Royal Highness, Umoro Omogwa as the Onogie (Clan Head) of Jagbe by the State Government in July 1991. There was an approved declaration starting the customary law regulating succession to the Clan leadership title of Jagbe which made succession to devolve on the oldest man in Jagbe. However this mode of succession was not acceptable to the generality of Jagbe people and the matter was subsequently taken to the Auchi High Court. The judgment of the Auchi Court delivered on 21st February, 1990, did not, however provide the panacea for the dispute. In order to find lasting solution to the dispute, Government decided to look into the matter. The then Etsako Traditional Council was requested to inquire into it and recommended a suitable and general acceptable mode of succession to the Clan Headship of jagbe. Based on the recommendation of the then Etsako Traditional Council, the defunct Bendel State Government approved a new declaration in 1991 thus making succession to the Clan Headship of Jagbe hereditary by primogeniture, that is, from father to eldest surviving son. I am glad to note that at the end, Government was able to take a final decision, which lead to the declaration of umoru Omogwa as the Onogie (Clan Head) of Jagbe with effect from 1st July, 1984.
There is no doubt that a lot of resources, both human and material, which should have applied to the development of Jagbe were wasted over court litigation. Be that as it may, I enjoin all Jagbe sons and daughters to regards that episode as a mere accident of history and disagreement between children of the same parents. No party to the dispute should be egarede as the victor or the vanquished. Rather, it should serve as a minder of the age-long adage which says that “united we stand, divided we fall”. It is an indisputable fact that clans bedeviled by such disputes usually remain for a long time without a traditional ruler. I want to seize this opportunity to advice all clans in the state without traditional rulers or clan heads because of chieftaincy disputes to endeavour to resolve the differences among their people and produce acceptable candidates that will attract Government recognition in the overriding interest of their areas.
It is gratifying to note that before ascending the throne, His Royal Highness, Umoru Omogwa, the new Onogie (Clan Head) of Jagbe had a lot of working experience especially in the private sector. He was the personnel manager of Texlon Nigeria Limited, Lagos for a number of years. With this highly equipped to administer his domain as the Onogie (Clan Head) of Jagbe. His Highness should endeavour to carry the excellence of his conduct in his private sector to his traditional and highly revered office of the Onogie (Clan head) of Jagbe.
May I also use this opportunity offered by this occasion to advice your Royal Highness not to regard any of your subjects as your adversaries because you have now assumed the position of father to all in your domain. Furthermore, your Highness should endeavour to be fair, upright and objective when taking decision affecting your subject, as they we always look up to you for succour, fair play and justice. In the same vein, I appeal to the people of Jagbe to give the new Onogie the support and loyalty, which the gave to his predecessors which is necessary for the successful administration of the clan.
To those who were opposed to the appointment of his Highness as the Onogie (Clan Head) of Jagbe, I would like to say that it would be to their glory and honour to sink whatever differences they might have and join hands with the Onogie in the process of building a united and progressive Clan for the pride of the future generation.
As His Highness may be aware, you are by virtue of your appointment as the Onogie (Clan Head) of Jagbe, automatically a member of Etsako West Traditional Council. In addition, you shall also be a member of the State Council of Chiefs when you are the Chairman of the Etsako West Traditional Council which is rational. I believe that you will place your wealth of experience and wisdom at the disposal of the Etsako West Traditional Council and the State Council of Chiefs when you are privileged to serve in these bodies.
I wish to re-iterate here that the present Military Administration hold and will continue to hold traditional rulers and traditional institutions in high esteem. Traditional Rulers are fathers of all and are expected to enlighten their subject about Government policies and programs especially at the grass root level. I wish to sincerely thank them for the moderating role they played during the just concluded gubernatorial elections in the state which was on the whole very peaceful. I implore them to continue to act as a stabilizing factor during the transition period by ensuring the promotion of peace and concord among the various groups of people living in their domains.
I have taking note of the request contained in Jagbe community address with respect to tarring of the road and provision of portable water supply and electricity. I shall refer these request to the appropriate Government Departments for early solution. I urge you to step up your self-help effort as a way of providing more amenities for the Jagbe people. This has become imperative in view of the dwindling economic resource at the disposal of the Government.
Your Royal Highness I congratulate you most warmly once more on your ascension to the highly esteemed throne of the Onogie (Clan Head). I want you to always count on the support of the State Government in your undertakings as the Prescribed Authority for the Jagbe Clan. I thank your Royal Highness immensely for your kind invitation and the warm reception. I also wish to thank the organizers of this ceremony for their grandeur; I wish you long, peaceful and prosperous reign.
Finally, it is with infinite pleasure and best wishers that I now present to your royal Highness, Umoru Omogwa, the Staff of the office associated with the title of Onogie (Clan Head) of jagbe.
Thanks you and God bless.
Military Governor’s Office,
Benin City.
28th December, 1991.
UNITY SONG: Khole Omonkherevbe, khole omomkherevbe
…. …. …. …. ….
Okokhokho, aiyolekhaiyo, otobole do holomien
TALK ON THE OCCASION OF THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY CORONATION OF THE ONOGIE OF JAGBE:
28TH DECEMBER, 1992
My Good people of Jagbe,
It is exactly one year today that, that rare indelible marks of the CORONATION OF OUR ONOGIE was performed. So, let’s discuss.
Distortion and contradiction of history cannot help any nation in their forward match to developmental process, progress and prosperity.
AGBEN is the undisputed single Ancestral Lineage of Jagbe. Then, where was the first pot of call to this very place here in Jagbe? Where was Jagbe meeting point and where is jagbe meeting point now? Where are the traditions and customs? Where is our identity as an independent nations?
These are the questions that would rather cross our minds as Sons and Daughters of AGBEN. There exist traditions and customs! By unnecessarily mixing them up has nearly pave way for other tribe to swallow us. Thank God that we have brought back our thing.
The original religion is the traditional and customary rites. It has taboo, that is, a limit or extent to which you should do certain things. We must have value and recognition for them.
Traditions and customs are one and the same injunctions in the Holy Books Quaran and bible. We have neglected our tradition for too long a time. Some of us have tried to contradict and distort the traditional functions with other Titles. That notwithstanding, it has made us to know more about our history and ourselves as a nation. That is, the Onogie, the Senior Age-Group (Odionwele), Imam, Reverend, Priest, Chiefs, e.t.c.
Age-Group Seniority, popularity know as Odionwele is a title that should not be in dispute nor mixed up. The spiritual attainment is too sensitive and GODLY to perform anyhow. There are taboo.. We want plenty Odionwere in Jagbe because they are a symbol of blessing to any community of people.
All the administrative conveniences will be streamlined for any Title – The Onogie, the Odionwere or Senior Age-Group, Imam, Reverend, Priest, Chiefs etc. for the smooth administering of Jagbe in consultation with one another. This is the hierarchical structure of traditional administration. It is in this stable foundation that we can recognized. It is in this way that we can easily interact with other nations and Government of the day. It is in this practical outlook that we can ask for our rights in any quarter. ONOGIE KHA TON OKHAELE-ISE
My people: Our MEETING POINT is not negotiable. It is so yesterday, today and forever more.
M. OKOH
For the JAGBE TRADITIONAL COUNCIL
Khole Omonkherevbe khole omonkherevbe ovba dika nagbolenose ovba divie na gbolenose okhokho aiyolekhaiyo otobole do holomion
AN ADDRESS BY IHELANMEN COMMUNITY MOVEMENT,
BENIN CITY
ON THE 25TH DECEMBER, 1994 AT IHELANMEN
PEACE IS THE BASE OF PROGRESS
Our people of IHELANMEN,
We are in great joy to see ihelanmen at home and abroad gathered in this ikhe-ughele (Town hall or Adult) for the yearly get together which usually affords us the opportunity to think, discuss and agree on matters relating to PEACE and PROGRESS in Ihelanmen and Ujagbe generally.
We will not be ashamed to say right away that Ihelanmen living in Benin City have not been present as a body in this gathering in recent years, although individual attendance was made on some of the occasions. Nature has a miraculous way of doing things. Following that reasoning, we thank His Royal Highness, Umoru Omogwa, Ogbekhiulu IV, the Onogie of ujagbe, our Elders, the Youths, in fact the whole of you who prayed and worked relentlessly which GOD and our Ancestors answered. We are here as a BODY representing Ihelanmen living in Benin City, Edo state of Nigeria. Action will justify our revolutionary change of name from the popular Progressive Union.
We have received a lot of letters and messages from central working Body, of Ihelanmen Progressive Union. We thanks this Executive Body, particularly the Secretary-general who continued to perform creditably. He is always writing to contact and put all, the Branches in the now and the good time. Issues bothering on Peace, Unity, Progress and of course, some of the problems militating against us have been echoing and featuring side by side. We say to all “WELDONE”
No doubt, we have achieved many things. So let’s thank God. Alihamudulilahi…
Our people of Ihelanmen, we would want to say “no darkness, no light; no night, no day; No problems, we will not remember God and think and pray for any solution. It is not possible for us to reason the same way. That is the essence of political life the instinct, the in-born of a man.” What we are trying to say here is that opinion is naturally bound to be individualistic. It may be for personal interest, economic or political interest or otherwise. It is not a crime to have such an opinion. But, rather, it becomes an abomination and taboo (haramu or awa) to fail to accommodate and tolerate other people’s opinion for the purpose of peace and progress. Problems are not peculiar to our people; they are in every Community.
Past and present problems were and still with Ihelanmen indeed with our very people. This is the way some of us are made to understand.
Onogie khaton okhaele Ise
Unu unumen, Emoi Emoi ikpeha
After 12 years of actions to correct the controversy (1979 – 1991), the historic CORONATION of the Onogie of Ujagbe was performed on the 28th December, 1991 where His Royal highness was presented with the STAFF OF OFFICE and as the PRESCRIBED AUTHORITY. HRH has since exercised some of his powers and established and appointed amongst other TITLES, the EDION-NENEN, the Odionwele of Ujagbe, the Imam with their various functions. What about the Okakuo? Is it for Ujagbe or each of the villages? Ihelanmen alone is not Ujagbe; Imiokono, Ikhua, Imiogian. Administratively, Ujagbe has been enlarged from the original four villages.
The question now is, with all these organs and functional post in full operation, how did some of us deem it fit to take civil clear-cut matters to Court? Are the matters not within the jurisdiction of HRH? Was HRH, the Edion-nenen, the Imam agreed to the Court action? Were majority of Ihelanmen agreed that the court action was the best solution to achieve peace and progress? Were people ignorantly “lured” into believing the Court action? Are you sure we have not sued our very self and relegated our powers and authority? Have we not disrespected our Elders, the Onogie, our Ancestors after we fully performed one of our “UNIFYING” Traditional rites, the Age-Group Celebration? If the case is allowed to be decided in the Court and the Court announces its verdict, what will be our gain as people of the same Parenthood?
We may again ask: “Where are our Traditional and Cultural Rites? How are they performed and how are they obeyed? Traditions, Bible, Qumran, Habit and related laws are the same. These are the ACTS of God in doing good things to one and the other.
Our religion is Islam. And we claim to be Muslim. Quoran is our Religious Book. Quoran contains the original Traditions and Culture. Islam means ‘peace’ or ‘submission’ to God and every true religion must teach and practice how to live in peace. Muslim is one who is at peace with God and his fellow creatures. Islam is based on five pillars. It begins with Kalimati-Shahadat. That is, we must know our Creator. Again we must know about other human beings and the things in common in order to know the limit of fundamental rights within our Traditional Laws.
The stressing point here is that we want to put in practice ‘some good’ Traditions and culture of the Holy Book. In other words the Hadith of Ujagbe origin; the Onogie’s rites, the Odionwele, Age-Group, the Imam, Omoido, Yam, Agben festival etc. at the schedule periods of the year. During this period now, 7 DAYS should be devoted for these Rites and Prayed which will rounded up at the PALACE here on every 28th of December. Spiritually, we know this has already started since 5 days ago. This year, it is purely within the whole Ujagbe Community for sanctification, that is cleanse. These common heritage are the unifying symbol for peace. Peace is the hub and foundation of progress based on TRUTH and LOVE.
Bha-obilu Ibho khanmai
By A. M. OKOH
AFTER CORONATION
RIVER OHO or OHOR: Idi-Mosque was moved from Omoiidikievan to Oho’s head, where the Market is also situate. Ohor had sharp reaction, spiritually. A person, one Mr. Momodu Obor of Imogian was influenced to go to Ohor River to catch crabs and as he was digging crab hole, he put his hand inside the hole andgrabbed something like snake. He did not fear even when he saw it was like snake. He dragged the thing out of its hole inside the river Oho and killed it on the road near the Idi_Mosque. Took the snake home, cut it into pieces, put inside the pot and on top of fire. Instead of the snake to be boiling it was swelling up from the pot and pulled the cover off. The snake pieces like that were returned to the spot, Ohio head. For days, weeks, months, the snake pieces refused to decay or rot. Bees, at this period too, invaded the very spot of Idi-Mosques and ambushed.
Not quite long, the River Ohor reacted practically and caved in. It was threatening to lives and property. Military Administrator, Col. Onyenregbulen and some other Government Officials visited Jagbe to assess the damages.
We appeased the River Ohor, consulted Omoido River to kindly beg Ohor to forgive her children and that, that insult on her (Oho) was bad. We condemned the boy’s action in its entirety.
As to whether that Oho-River-head was/is an ideal spot for Idi-Mosque is food for thought!
EKO
EKO IHELANMEN: formed themselves into groups. Some of these groups were led by some Afogie. Some of the groups held the rest Afogie and the Onogie to ransom; held Ihelanmen to stand still; held Jagbe as a whole to no clear forward-match and there were dark clouds.
It was generally remarked that Eko, Afogie and Ihelanmen, have been divided into several factions. Meetings of traditional custom, administration ought to hold at the Ancestral meeting Point of Ihelanmen-Jagbe as a whole.
FATHER OF ALL
His royal Highness Umoru, the Onogie lived to expectation. He was sympathetic, lenient and took people and something for granted. Amongst, he was acting in accordance with the ‘advice’ contained in paragraph 5 of the CORONATION ADDRESS dated 28th December, 1991 by the Government. “…”HRH was advised not to regard any of his subjects as adversaries because he had now assume the position of “father of all…” These, he carried to extreme and to a fault. And these also, the adversaries capitalized on. However, HRH Umoru worked hard to bring Jagbe people together for the development of the Community. Were these what led to his sudden demise?
Aii-noebesunu (means always ask what happened) or for shot Ebesunu? (means, what happened). Benin would ask ‘dovbiomankhin, aabior? While Jagbe would say Obiee, omioukilenlin which mean who born you? Who is your father and of course what family? These are leading antecedent and historical questions which reflect mind in associating with people. Individually in this world, every Mas has a peculiar role to play. And the role of individual in Afogie make her complex, thick and strong. Afogie has been given all sorts of names as a result of her peculiarity and complexity. Hereditary manifest! These assertions, opposition and challenges might probably meant to make HRH Umoru to be strong, firm and understand the complexity of traditional administration.
Whoever you are, whatever you are, you must have an opposition, adversaries and challenges. How you are able to curtail them is purely another matter!
DEMISE OF ONOGIE
THEREAFTER, HOME-MADE CHANLLENGES ENSUED
(a) Delegate of man and woman was sent to the Onogie
(b) Odionwele of Jagbe sue to Court to disorganized Onogie
(c) Dug Onogie’s Palace Seat – substance removed and replaced after the digging
(d) Spit and stick pointed to Onogie every now and then which resulted to the stripping chieftaincy title and restoration again.
(e) Onogie was forced to say that the home rival should come take-over his Seat and vacated the seat at the instance.
(f) Ate with home-rival although Onogie was advised not to eat that food.
(g) Police in the Palace was a deliberate criminal arrangement to implicate Onogie.
(h) Onogie was fought with by the home-rival at the Mosque.
(i) Traditional Ruler forbids attending or present in any burial or dead person’s place; Custom also forbids attending group’s death interment. Onogie was convinced to do so.
(j) Church establishment in Jagbe was not taking kindly.
(k) The felling of tree was another offense
(l) Youth division in Ihelanmen i.e. Age Group crisis that caused disaffection and bad blood. These made some people abandoned the Palace. Ena-ye “Ebhirrii?”
(m) Goat swallow money collected during interment
(n) And others uuunnh
OBA tiie-ebo, Enikalo-ogwina
ONOGIE tiie-ebo, enekalo-otamaa
That is,
OBA DO NOT CURSE, But
HE ONLY COMPLAIN TO ANCESTORS
ONOGIE do not curse, but only, complain to Ancestors
THESE ARE HISTORICAL RECORDS FOR A NEW BEGINNING
IHELANMEN
JAGBE TOWN
23rd NOVERMEBR, 2000.
Despite these challenges, some gang, gang-up to influence HRH Umoru to forgive his adversaries. Without hesitation, HRH Umoru succumbed. The matter were still unresolved. The NEW PALACE Building was to be opened. Cock and bull stories render the air and things were mixed up. These spiritual leaders have peculiar way of joining their Ancestors. members of family and other people attended the ceremonial get-together. Foods were served accordingly. After few days, HRH Umoru fell sick. But, ‘haain-nia-awafo’. There and then, HRH demised. Burial ceremonial rites were arranged and performed by the family, Afogie, Ihelanmen and Jagbe People; in attendance include the representatives of the OBA of BINI, Uku Akpolokpolo, Etsako Local Government, Edo State Government and the rest of others.
NOMINATION / SELECTION
At the prescribed days, in accordance with the Custom and the enabling traditional Laws, Jagbe Community rally round AFOGIE RULING HOUSE to install the Eldest Son of Late Umoru, Prince Mudashiru Umoru Omogwa on Friday, 24th November, 2000. Based on Section 13 and 14 of the Traditional Ruler and Edicts of 1979, PAPERS were prepared and forwarded to the Appropriate Authorities.
Why the need for Government may arise. People required various service, water, road, light and of course maintenance of law and order and much more. These cannot be done, if everybody is free to do or get what he wants regardless of the consequences to himself, his neighbors or the community at large. To avoid chaos of an un-organized community, there should be acts and system structured along separate functions. Education is necessary.
Ancestrally, Spiritually and Physically, the process of the PAPERS in connection with the NEW ONOGIE did not stop, but continue thus: like in the previous late Omogw’s demise, while Alhaji Isu Oroabhunu was the target then, Prince Yenusa adedegor (Aadenja) Omogwa became the target on the side to protect our Father heritage, Ihelanmen-Jagbe, he AFOGIE RULING HOUSE; Eguaogie.
And, and, and Government Approval came for a new era for the JAGBE TRADITIONAL INSTITUTION, the Onogie and Clan Head.
Although the Suit No. B/103/96 and Appeal No. CA/B/220/99 were transferred to Benin High Court, the Suit and all the Appeals were STRUCK OUT by the Court of Appeal, and ALSO (Odionwele) Declaration. Part II, Section 9, 10, 11 of the chief’s edict 1979 are also references.
GOVERNMENT APPROVAL
EDO STATE
DIRECTORATE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT
AND CHIEFTAINCY AFFAIRS
(OFFICE OF THE PERMANENT SECRETARY)
DEPUTY GOVERNOR’S OFFICE, SECRETARY BUILDING,
SAPELE ROAD
P.M.B 1067
BENIN CITY
EDO STATE OF NIGERIA
Our Ref: No. CH.176/Vol.V/751
Your Ref:
Date: 25 June, 2002
His Royal Highness,
Madashiru Umoru Omogwa,
The Onogie (Clan Head) of Jagbe,
Ihalenmen, Jagbe.
u.f.s. The Chairman,
Etsako West Local Govt.
Transition Committee
Auchi.
Appointment of his Royal Highness, Mudashiru umoru Omogwa as the Onogie (Clan Head) of Jagbe in Etsako West Local Government Area
I wish to inform you that the State executive Council has approved your appointment as the Onogie (Clan Head) of Jagbe with effect from 24th November, 2000.
Appropriate steps are being taken to publish your appointment as the Onogie (Clan Head) of Jagbe in the State Gazette.
The Chairman should kindly ensure that your entitlements are paid to you early.
Please, accept my hearty congratulations
(A. A. Uwagboe) mni, JP.
For: Permanent Secretary