Okpe People Celebrate Late Orodje, HRM Orhoro 1, 20 Years After Demise

Activities marking the 20th remembrance anniversary of the erstwhile Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Orhoro 1, took place on the 20th of Jan. 2024 at Orerokpe, the ancestral home of Okpe people.

The children of the late monarch, led by Prince (Okakuro) Godwin Ejinyere, were delighted to see important dignitaries and a mammoth crowd gathered to honour their late father.

Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Okakuro Sam Oyovbaire placed on record the cooperation and unity among the late Orhoro’s children, and for honouring their father in such a grand style and unprecedented funfare, urging the children to emulate the sterling legacies of their father.

He said Orhoro 1 loved his people very much and ensured that Okpe kingdom was peaceful and united.

Prof. Oyovbaire praised Prince (Hon.) Godwin Ejinyere for his leadership roles, which qualified him to succeed his late father but for the tradition of rotational kingship in Okpe Kingdom.

In his remarks, the Orodje of Okpe kingdom, HRM Felix Mujakperuo, Orhue 1 eulogized his predecessor, Orhoro 1 whom he described as his role model.

He asserted that kings have very unique divine powers which they use through prayers to uplift their kingdoms, and prayed for the late Orhoro’s children and the entire family.

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On his part, Prof Sunny Awhefeada of the Delta State University, Abraka who reviewed the book titled “The Life and Times of HRM Orhoro 1,” enumerated the sterling qualities and very unique accomplishments of the late Okpe monarch.

He said the late king was pivotal to the unity of Urhobo Nation, having invented “The popular slogan, Urhobo Ovuovo.

The book was launched by the Chief launcher, Evang. Olorogun Johnbull Ejovi, followed by co-launchers.

Dignitaries who graced the socio-cultural event were the representative of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Hon. Johnson Erijo, Chief of Staff, Govt House, Asaba.

Others included State and Federal legislators; local Govt officials; the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, Abe 1; the Ovie of Agbon Kingdom, Ogurimerime, Ukori 1; as well as the Pere of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom, Pere Kalalama Viii; and the Ovie of Ughievwen Kingdom, Ohwahwa II, amongst other royal fathers and chief from the state.

Representatives of various govt Agencies, Depts and Ministries, captains of oil and gas firms, and a cross section of the public were also present at the ceremony. The Imidaka dance band thrilled the audience with cultural displays.

Meanwhile, the remembrance anniversary was preceded by a novelty football match between Okpe and Sapele LGAs which make up Okpe Kingdom. Prince Godwin Ejinyere kicked off the keenly contested match which ended in a one one draw at full time. At the end of a penalty shootout, Team Okpe won by 5 goals to 4.

Okakuro Godwin Ejinyere who is the Duke of Orerokpe District, and the Director General of Warri Uvwie and Environs Special Area Devt Agency, WUEDA, said the event was double celebration for Okpe Kingdom, following the Supreme Court victory in favour of the Okpe-born Governor Sheriff Oborevwori the same day, and commended both teams for their performances, urging the players to take football to the next level as a career.

The Managing Director of Tacha Farms, Chief Fred Makpor who chaired the event, commended both teams for their excellent display of football skills and discipline throughout the match.

He then presented a trophy and the sum of #240,000 to Team Okpe, winners of the contest, while the runners up, Team Sapele got the sum of #200,000.

The novelty football match was watched by a cross section of the society, including a UPU leader, Chief Isaac Oghenerhoro Itebu , Hon. Raymond Edijala , as well as Hon. Mrs. Hon Best Ejinyere , amongst other members of the Ejinyere family.