By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY – A prominent cultural ambassador and businessmen, Michael Osarenren Igbinedion who is a son of the legendary Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion has been inducted in the Elders Council of Okada community in Ovia North East local government area of Edo State.

The ceremony which was held in the community is an age grade ceremony, the last one was held 30 years ago and with the initiation, Igbinedion is qualified to becoming the Odionwere, (eldest man) in the community in future as they are usually selected from the Edion which is the name of the elders council based on seniority.

The ceremony attracted many sons and daughters of Okada in attendance including the Patriarch of the Igbinedion dynasty, the Esama of Benin.

Other categories of those initiated were The category of those initiated include Ighokhae, Junior youth aged between 18 and 30 years old bracket and Ighele which is the youth within the age bracket of 30 and 55 years.

Speaking during the induction, the Odionwere of Okada, Pa Samson Idehen noted that the Elders Council play a vital role in preserving culture and passing down traditions, customs, and historical knowledge to the younger generations and encouraged them to regard their new status as a “privilege.”

He said that they are expected to demonstrate a high level of integrity, wisdom, and exceptional leadership in carrying out their new responsibilities.

Highlighting the vital role of the Elders Council, Pa Idehen urged the inductees to view themselves as cultural ambassadors tasked with promoting and preserving the customs, traditions, and culture of their people for future generations.

Responding, Igbinedion thanked the elders of the community for considering him worthy of initiation into the Elders Council.

He said “this marks a milestone in the journey of my life. This position has placed on me a huge responsibility of promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom” and promised “to join hands with the elders of the community to preserve the aged long tradition and custom of the people.”