History was made in the Okada community in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, as the community revived the abandoned age-long tradition of initiation of sons into the Elders Council (Edion).
The tradition, which has been abandoned for the past 30 years, was revived with the initiation of 54 sons of the community into the Elders Council.
Among the participants were the twelve sons of Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Benin-based billionaire and the revered Esama of the Benin Kingdom.
One of the inductees who stood out during the period of the ceremony was Mike Osarenren Igbinedion, one of the sons of the Esama of Benin Kingdom.
Mike Igbinedion, a barrister at Law, is the chairman, Wantan Group of Companies/GHPP Konsult/GO H20 Water Limited and Serendip Oil and Gas Limited.
Speaking after the initiation, he opined that the initiation has placed on him a huge responsibility of promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom
He 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 age-long tradition and custom of the people.
Earlier, Samson Idehen, the Odionwere of the Okada community, said that the age grade comprised Junior youth age (Ighokhae) within the 18 and 30-year-old bracket, Youths (Ighele) within the age bracket of 30 and 55 years, while the Edion belong to the Elders council.
Idehen also said that 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 that joining the Elders Council was 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 age, have made significant contributions to the development of the 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, emphasising the significance of age, responsibility and community service,” he said.
The Odionwere commended Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom, for revitalising 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 around the houses of prominent individuals in the community.
