(C), sitting, Odionwere Samson Ederaro Obazee and his people at the Village Town Hall, Wednesday, 28 September, 2022 after his former unveiling
By Kingsley Abavo, Benin
Following approval of the Benin Monarch, HRM Oba Ewuare II, the people of Iyowa Village, Ovia – North – East Local Government Area, Edo State on Wednesday, 28 September, 2022 formally installed Pa. Samson Ederaro Obazee as the new Odionwere (traditional administrative Head).
Pa. Obazee becomes the 11th Odionwere of Iyowa Village, after the passing to the great beyond of his predecessor, Pa. Gabriel Obazee in the year 2017, who was also his brother.
The event which held in the Village Town Hall, attracted sons and daughters both home and abroad amidst jubilation for a new beginning in their history.
Speaking, Pa. Obazee said he was highly elated being alive to be installed after about six years of internal bickering, and interregnum.
“Obviously, there is nothing God cannot do as I never thought I would be alive to be installed Odionwere.”
He said, he however holds no grudge against anyone as the most elderly in Iyowa; which bestow on him the office of the Odionwere.
Appealing, Odionwere Obazee asked all aggrieved persons to sheathe their swords and join him in the rebuilding of Iyowa Village; for greater heights of growth and development.
Secretary of the Elders’ Council, Reuben Omoiyekemwen Owie, spoke in the same vein saying Iyowa people are one strong united family hence there is no victor, and no vanquished in the internal disagreement which preceded the approval of Pa. Obazee as the Odionwere and subsequent formal installation.
Odionwere Obazee has Pa. Henry lmadiyi, Pa. Paul Adams Onaiwu, Pa. lsaac Aghamioghogho Edo, and Hon. Rueben Owie, (community secretary) as members of Council of Elders while madam Anna Obayagbonyi as the Women leader.
The immediate past Odionwere, Pa. Gabriel Obazee joined his ancestors on the 27 July, 2017, and four months later; on the 4 November, 2017, Samson Ederaro Obazee was installed the Odionwere.
But the Monarch, HRM Oba Ewuare II consequently suspended him from office and mandated Etionosa Ighodaro and elders of Iyowa to take charge of affairs, until it was three years as demanded by the custom and tradition of the Edo people, it was said.
