By Kingsley Abavo
On the approval and instruction of the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, representatives of the body of Ohens (Priests) in the Kingdom have installed Ovbohan Orhue Igbinovia, as the Ohen Osuen Ewuare N’hutete of Okhoromi village.
The event which held on Thursday, 15 November, 2018 was a rebirth of tradition and cultural values of the Benin Kingdom as witnessed by guests.
Commenting in an interview with journalists, High Priest Osarumwwnse Amayo, the Ohenso of Benin kingdom said various persons had taken charge of the village shrine on behalf of the Oba’s Palace but the Monarch decided that a permanent Ohen (Priest) be installed.
Conseauently, Igbinovia becomes the first substantive Ohen to have been installed for the shrine which had been in existence since the days of Oba Ewuare I, it was disclosed.
Place of Ohen in Benin Kingdom:
According to the laid down order of authority hierarchy in the Kingdom, where Enogie (duke) exist, he takes charge of administrative affairs as the recognised authority on behalf of the Monarch.
But where there is no Enogie, the Ohen takes charge of affairs as the recognised authority on behalf of the Oba and where there is no Ohen, the Odionwere (eldest male) will be in charge.
Hence, Ohen Igbinovia is now the officially recognised traditional Head of Okhoromi village followed by the Odionwere and Edionene (four most senior males); either by order of birth or invitation into the traditional Council of elders.
Ohen Igbinovia asked for God’s and his ancestors guidance in the new position of responsibility as he strives to deplore his best possible to take the village to a new height of development.
Igbinovia expressed gratitude to everyone especially the Monarch, Oba Ewuare II for the actualization of his installation.
