OKIES VEEKY
The people of Ogharefe sub clan of Oghara Kingdom rolled out drums recently to celebrate their annual Iyerin Festival aimed at sustaining the customs and tradition of the people just as HRM Orefe 111, Uku Oghara Name, the Ovie of Oghara Kingdom enjoined the people and resident non natives to live harmoniously in unity.
Speaking at the ceremony that saw the re-enactment of age long tradition such as the ‘Ovwah’ (virgins/maidens gaily dressed) among others, HRM Orefe 111, Ovie of Oghara Kingdom disclosed that the festival is the last of the two that is usually celebrated annually by the people adding that
it is used to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the people.
According to HRM Orefe 111, “this festival is very special to us as we use it to rejoice and give thanks to God almighty for leading us to the end of the year, its our own Xmas(yuletide) because we usually celebrate it in December. We invite friends and well wishers, our sons and daughters in diaspora usually come home this period to celebrate it and in times past, the people usually wear
their new clothes during this festival.”
HRM Orefe 111, the Ovie of Oghara Kingdom who was at the Oguedion(Council of Elders Townhall) where he was entertained with different dance steps by chiefs and others added, “Iam using this
opportunity to call on our people to remain united, live in harmony and love one another. Lets look inwards and dwell more on the things that unite us together and move away from the things that tend to divide us. In the spirit of the season, let us promote those things that would engender and sustain peace in the kingdom.”
The King who was visibly elated called on all to work with major stakeholders to ensure that peace and security is sustained in the kingdom.
In his comments, High Chief Frank Odafe Ededey, the Unugbrogodo of Ogharefe, Oghara Kingdom disclosed that in keeping with culture and tradition, the Unugbrogodo-in-Council invited HRM Orefe 111, who was accompanied by Uzzi Sampson Takpor, the Iyasere of Oghara Kingdom to
the Oguedion to mark the Iyerin Festival adding that when the righteous rules, the people rejoices.
High Chief Ededey called for cooperation and synergy to move Oghara Kingdom to greater heights, adding, “we should remain united, join hands together to work for the overall progress of the Kingdom. Let us live as one indivisible entity, be security conscious as security should not be left in the hands of security agents alone because it is every ones business. Report any untoward activity to the appropriate authority for prompt action to forestall breach of the peace and security.
In his comments, Chief Emmanuel Ajakari, Secretary of the Oguedion(Council of Chiefs & Elders) who was also visibly elated disclosed that 2018 Iyerin Festival in Ogharefe was the best among the
ones he partook in so far, adding, “this year’s Iyerin is the best so far, its more colourful as His Majesty added glamour and glitz to it. I am using this opportunity to call on all to join hands with HRM Orefe 111 and the traditional leadership to move Oghara Kingdom to greater heights. I call on our youths who are the leaders of tomorrow to be law abiding.”
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