By Akpokona Omafuaire

THERE was outpouring of encomium as the Okere-Urhobo indigenes in a glamorous way celebrated the fourth year departure of HRM Benjamin Okumagba, the Orosuen of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom

They advised Warri Urhobos to emulate core attributes, commitment and bravery of the late monarch.

The indigens made the call during the first remembrance in honour of the late monarch four years after his demise in Warri. The Okere-Urhobo indigenes described the late monarch as a “hero” who fought for the unity and emancipation of the Urhobo  at his own expense and detriment. They chanted traditional songs and danced from Udumu-Urhobo quarters in Okere-Urhobo through the ever busy Okumagba Avenue to the residence of the late monarch where they paid respect to him at Ighogbadu Street.

Speaking at the ceremony, the   Onowu of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom, Hon.Jude Onovughe Igherebuo, christened the celebration in honour   of the late Orosuen as the re-awakening of heroic legacies he left for the Okere-Urhobo and Urhobo.

“We are celebrating a hero, a king, His Royal Majesty, Benjamin Okumagba JP, OON, the Orosuen of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom, a former President General of Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, a leader in Urhobo, Delta State and Nigeria in general,”he said.

“We are celebrating the re-awakening of his heroic legacies that he has left before us. This we will continue to do in memory of him. We ask God to give us the strength for continuity”.

Another  indigene of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom, Mr. Oghenewovke Aminagha, described the late Orosuen as a brave man who dared the military brass during his time at a stakeholders meeting where former President Olusegun Obasanjo held a meeting to address oil theft in the Niger Delta.

Hon. Kingsley Edafiadjebre said, “There is no day better than this to celebrate our monarch, HRM. Benjamin Okumagba, a man who has done so much for the Urhobo.

“A man who has brought Unity among the Urhobo people. Today as a bonafide citizen of Urhobo stock, I make bold here to say there is no better day than this for us to honour this great man.”