Ohen Ekinadose Ehibor
By Kingsley Abavo, Benin
The Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, since ascending the throne has aggressively championed the rejuvenation, preservation and promotion of the rich cultural heritage of the Kingdom, not only for the present but generations yet unborn.
The Monarch also as an astute advocate of peace, has always enjoined communities in the kingdom to get involved in activities that would help promote bonding, unity and peace amongst the people.
Hence he had always expressed concern that instead of the people to engage inw wrestling forklores, dances and other important activities like obtained in the days of yore; that would bring them together as one, they engage in unnecessary bickering that tear them apart.
However, in the face of the Monarch’s concern, the people of Evbuarhue in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State have decided to be good example for emulation, by other Villages in the Kingdom.
They demonstrated that the people could also go to the Palace of the Oba not only with issues for him to resolve; but to entertain and make him happy as the royal father he truly is, and custodian of the culture and tradition of the Kingdom.
Recently, the people of Evbuarhue led by Mrs. Ekinadose Ehibor were in the Palace of the Oba, to entertain him with the traditional religion dance of the deity: Orhionmwon N’ saibo.
Orhionmwon N’ saibo is a river goddess deity in Benin Kingdom and Mrs. Ekinadose Ehibor is the Ohen (Priestess).
Before the very revered Monarch and his Chiefs, the people in their dexterity danced heartily to his delight in re – enactment of the days of old.
After the eye popping performance of the female folks, in curiosity and hunger for more, the Monarch asked the male elders and young men amongst them to come on stage too.
Behold, to his satisfaction and everyone present, they did not disappoint as the arena became charged with fun, and rib cracking laughter.
In appreciation, the obviously elated Monarch making true the old saying: ‘when you come before the great Oba Ewuare, you will be blessed’ the people were indeed blessed with drinks, kolanut and cash gift of N500,000.
The Oba while commending them for bringing the traditional religion dance of the deity to his Palace, admonished that they should stay united as indivisible people.
As he re – emphasized that it should be noted, Okaighele (headship of the youths’ group) is not the head of a Village but Enogie: (Duke). Where there is no Enogie, or Okao; the Odionwere (Headship of the Elders’ Council) is in charge.
The Akaesiwenro and secretary of Evbuarhue Village, Ehibor Solomon, who incidentally is the husband of the Ohen (Priestess), narrated briefly the history of Orhionmwon N’saibo deity.
According to him, Orhionmwon N’saibo is owned by the Oba of Benin (it is Oba’s Shrine), and its celebration started during the reign of Oba Ewuare I; usually, it is celebrated by the entire people of Evbuarhue Village.
The last Ohen who was custodian of the shrine spent over 42 years before she passed on, and the present Ohen, Mrs. Ekinadose Ehibor took over and she has spent up to 20 years now as the Priestess.
Ehibor pointed out that it should be noted; the Ohenship is not hereditary, it is the deity itself that choses who will be the ohen (priestess).
From time immemorial, it has never chosen a male as its priest but women; Orhionmwon N’ saibo is ‘Olokun’ a river goddess, he disclosed.
Continuing, Ehibor said once the Ohen is chosen, the people of the Village performs the necessary rituals for her installation; to be in charge of the shrine on behalf of the Oba and people.
Usually, the festival of Orhionmwon N’saibo is done every year and before its commencement, it is customary; the Ohen goes to the Palace to inform the Oba who in turn gives his approval and blessings. Thereafter, the festival begins.
On the significance of the deity in Benin Kingdom, Ehibor said it ensured peace and unity, support and protection, healing and good health, growth, development and progress. He emphasized that the deity abhors anything evil.
It should be noted that adherents come from far and near to worship, seek its intervention in their peculiar situations, blessings and offer thanks in appreciation for whatever benefits they had derived, Ehibor said.
He enjoined the people especially, youths of the Kingdom to embrace their own traditional religion and ways of worship, as the only true way to go; to be at peace with God and themselves instead of copying foreign religions and ways.
He however mentioned, that the worshippers have been faced with the challenge of hoodlums trying to obstruct their activities at the river side Shrine, as they have attempted severally to invade and cart away symbols of the deity.
He therefore pleaded for the intervention of the Monarch and other relevant authorities, to help with securing the area.
Commenting on the Monarch’s reaction to the dance that was taken to the Palace, Ehibor said the people of Evbuarhue were overwhelmed with happiness, that they got royal recognition and blessings.
To them, it was a great upliftment and will forever be grateful to the Oba, for the kind gesture, he said.
Evbuarhue people have been so supportive of her, carrying out the responsibilities of the office of the Priestess of Orhionmwon N’saibo deity, Ohen Ekinadose Ehibor said in her comments.
She explained that there are processes followed to kick start the annual festival of the deity; which begins at the Shrine of ‘Ogie Orhue’ (King of Native Chalks), from there to Aro Edion N’Ukpato Edion N’Orogho (Shrine instituted by Oba Ewuare I), it is the most senior of them all.
According to the Priestess, Oba Ewuare I instituted the deity while fighting a war; when the lamp he was carrying at night suddenly stopped burning at the present site of the Ukpato Shrine.
He therefore decided to hide his armies where presently the Shrine of Evbuarhue is instituted, as the name implies; was derived from the protection he and his armies got therein.
Also, in resemblance of the scenario faced by the Biblical Moses and the Israelites at the Red Sea, Oba Ewuare I at the Orhionmwon river, was confronted with the dilemma of crossing over with his armies into safety without a boat.
He had to offer libations and prayers into the river to part into two for them to walk pass on a dry ground and behold; his request was granted.
In gratitude, Oba Ewuare I prayed requesting that never again will any human, walk pass the river on dry ground except via a canoe/boat and it has since remained so.
As customary when the deity chose her, as required; she went to inform the Monarch in his Palace to get his approval and blessings before her installation.
Ohen Ekinadose Ehibor said the decision to go entertain the Oba and his Chiefs with Evbuarhue N’saibo deity dance, “was to re-enact the olden days, re-connect with the present and to solicit his support for us: Evbuarhue people in custodianship of the deity’s Shrine.”
Her period as the Priestess of the deity so far, has been marked by enormous peace, growth and development in the land, she asserts.
She expressed gratitude to the Monarch for the privilege granted, to be before his esteemed royal presence, appealing for his continued support.
Victoria Evbonaye an assistant to the Ohen, corroborating all the narrations, asserts people come from across the country and beyond to Orhionmwon N’ saibo deity to offer prayers seeking her face in one issue or the other; and they have always returned to offer thanksgivings.
She also appealed for the intervention of the Monarch and all relevant authorities, in helping to keep the Shrine vicinity safe from Intruders and hoodlums.
Comrade David Ehiavbivian on behalf of the youths said it was a thing of pride to the people of Evbuarhue, for the royal recognition and warm reception given to them by the Monarch.
“Moreso, we are happy to have demonstrated that we can be different from others; not always going to the Oba with issues of crisis for resolution.
“We promise to continue to be loyal to the authority of Oba Ewuare II, remain law abiding and peaceful.”
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