Joseph Okifo Presented To Agbara-Otor Monarch As Onirhe, Charged To Uphold Integrity

By Ukane Godwin

The people of Oghara and Awirhe communities of Agabra-Otor kingdom were on the 8th of June, 2024 in joyous mood as a highly educated man, Dr. Joseph Okifo, was presented to His Royal Majesty (HRM), Richard Oghenevwogaga Ebelle Okorefe 1, JP, the Ovie of Agbara-Otor kingdom, Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State as the Onirhe of Agbara-Otor kingdom.

The delegation to the presentation of Dr. Joseph Okifo as the Onirhe of the kingdom was led by the eldest man of Oghara community, Pa. Samuel Udi, followed by the President General (PG), of Oghara community, Mr. Peter Edema including the immediate family of Dr. Okifo alongside with other elders, leaders, men, women, youths and others too numerous to mention.

Before the presentation of Dr. Okifo as the Onirhe to the traditional ruler, a presentation of kola-nut was carried out according to the custom and tradition of Urhobo by the Royal father HRM, Richard Oghenevwogaga Ebelle Okorefe 1 JP to those that accompanied the Onirhe to the palace of the Monarch in Agbara-Otor Main town, which was equally reciprocated by the Onirhe and his people also in the manner of Urhobo tradition.

Presenting Dr. Joseph Okifo who is a senior lecturer at Delta State College of Education, Morsogar in Ethiope West LGA, to the Royal father as the Onirhe of the kingdom, Chief William Okorodudu, said: “Your Majesty Sir, permit me to stand on the existing protocol, we are here today to officially present Dr. Joseph Okifo to you as the Onirhe of Agabara-Otor kingdom,” adding that, it would be recalled that some time last year he was installed as the Onirhe of the kingdom at Awirhe community in Agbara-Otor.”

Continuing, “as he has been installed the Onirhe of the kingdom which on that day you also sent your representative to grace the occasion of his installation, we therefore, said, as custom of the kingdom demands after installing Onirhe, he should be presented to the Ovie of the kingdom for official recognition, that is why we are here today to do the needful so as to work with you and other stakeholders in the kingdom to move Agbara-Otor to greater height.”

Therefore, on his part, the Royal father said, “l am very excited for the development for you people to have concluded that is good to ensure the Onirhe which has been installed needs to be presented to the king and is a very good idea and welcome development.”

Speaking further, the traditional ruler in his words charged him to continue to uphold integrity and have the fear of God in his dealings as the Onirhe of the Kingdom.

According to.him. “as you have been installed Onirhe of Agbara-Otor kingdom, you have to work for the unity and progress of the kingdom. Do not indulge in anything that may likely bring disrepute to the kingdom.”

He said, “my prayer for you is for you to be more prosperous. l pray for you to be in good health, for more wisdom. l pray for you for guidance and protection including your family.”

The traditional ruler however, described the Onirhe as one of the best Onirhes he has ever seen.

Speaking to newsmen immediately after the presentation, the President General of Oghara community Agbara-Otor, Mr Peter Edema including other family members assured the Monarch that Dr. Joseph Okifo will not disappoint in any way in carrying out his traditional duties as the Onirhe of the kingdom.

Highpoint of the ceremony was the successful presentation of the Onirhe to the Royal father which was witnessed by the President General of Agbara-Otor kingdom Hon. (Chief) Joseph Umudjere, the eldest man of Oghara community, Agbara-Otor, Pa Samuel Udi, President General of Oghara Community, Mr. Peter Edema, the eldest son of Dr. Joseph Okifo, Ambassador Oghenerukevwe Okifo, the spokesman of Agware family, Mr. Godwin Isaac, Chief Dr. Alfred Akpobome, Pa. Augustine Umudjere, Engr. John A., Chief William Okorodudu, Mr. Oronigbe Okorodudu, Mr. Peter Okorodudu including the women of Oghara community.