Ozoro celebrates Opute Cultural Day

The people of Ozoro Kingdom in Delta State will be celebrating this year’s “Opute Cultural Day/Festival 2012” on the 26th December 2012 at the Ovie of Ozoro Palace, Erovie Community, Ozoro.

The event is expected to be declared open by The Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Barrister Anthony Uvietoborie Ogbogbo (Ibuka 1).  OzoIdhudhu!  OzoIdhudhu!! OzoIdhudhu!!!

The Opute Cultural Day is a specific day set aside where all sons and daughters of Ozoro kingdom both at home and in diaspora, as well as friends of the kingdom gather together for display, rehearsal and presentation of the rich cultures of the kingdom aimed at further helping to promote peace and unity amongst its people and neighboring communities.

History has it that Opute founded Ozoro kingdom in the 15th Century during the same period Aboh in Ndokwa East was also founded as both were brothers that left Benin together. Opute was one of the sons of the then Oba Ozuala of Benin and migrated from Benin to found the Ozoro Kingdom.

Chief Charles Obuvie, The Okobaro of Ozoro kingdom, who is the chairman, organizing committee of the Opute Cultural Day, said the celebration is in commemoration of this legacy and the preservation of our culture that the 26th of December every year has been set aside as the Opute Cultural Day. He described opute as a strong and great warrior in the history of Bini kingdom.

According to Chief Charles Obuvie, Ozoro has a rich cultural heritage and tradition which is rested on the Ovie of Ozoro as the custodian of the tradition of the Ozoro kingdom, which pursues a legacy of extolling its traditions, customs, beliefs, ties, and cultural identity that is also expressed in her welcoming and peace loving people.

He said the event would also be used to honor prominent sons and daughters of the kingdom as well as Isoko indigenes that have contributed to the growth and development of Ozoro kingdom.

The event will be attended by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, who will be the special guest of honour, while the guests of honour are Rt. Honourable Leo Ogor, deputy majority leader, Federal House of Representatives, Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay, secretary to Delta state Government and Barrister Richard Mofe Damijo, Delta State commissioner for culture and tourism among others.