“…being in the diaspora is not an excuse not to develop Orogun”- Ndakara
In a grand ceremony, the Okpara-Uku of Orogun, HRM Omoefe Ozenikpe 1, has on Monday 10th April 2023 conferred the chieftaincy title of ‘Ovieraye’ of Orogun Kingdom on Mrs. Ese-Oghene Bridget Efe-Nogo at the Okpara-Uku’s Palace, Otorho-Orogun, in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The ceremony began with a colorful procession led by the palace guards, who were followed by the traditional chiefs and members of the community. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as people dressed in their finest traditional outfits arrived at the venue.
The ceremony kicked off with a prayer session, customary entertainment followed by a brief citation on the conferee by Chief Princess Kaine, popularly called ‘woman fine’. The Okapara-Uku then gave his speech, in which he spoke about the significance of the chieftaincy title and the responsibilities that come with it.
After the speech, the traditional ruler proceeded to confer the title on Mrs. Efe-Nogo. She was then presented with a traditional bead (aghighor) which is a symbol of recognition.
In her acceptance speech, in company of her dotting and lovely husband, Chief (Mrs) Efe-Nogo who was decked in a resplendently white wrapper and blouse, wrist and neck bead and a beaded hair-do, characteristic of Urhobo maidens who are about to be given out in marriage to their suitor, expressed her gratitude to her family, the traditional ruler and the kingdom for the honour bestowed on her. She promised to use her new position to serve the community and to work towards its development.
The conferment of ‘Ovieraye’, which means queen according to ‘Omo Okpara-Uku’, Chief Emmanuel Omoefe is in recognition of Chief (Mrs) Ese-Oghene Efe-Nogo’s contribution to the welfare and progress of Orogun kingdom.
Stating further, Chief Omoefe said that “the conferment of a chieftaincy title is an important cultural tradition in Orogun in recognition of deserving individual’s contribution to the welfare and development of the kingdom.
“Having distinguished herself as a Child Development Officer in the United States and also being a supportive wife to her husband, Chief Do-Good O. Efe-Nogo, who has also contributed so much to the development of Orogun, I think that this conferment will spur them to do more for the kingdom”, he further said.
The event which had all the trappings of a carnival, had members of the Okpara-Uku-in-Council, Orogun Council of chiefs all dressed in their resplendent traditional and cultural robes come in their numbers to cheer and welcome the new entrant to the prestigious and exclusive association.
The dance troupe by the Ukere of Orogun and Udje of Udu charged the atmosphere with their scintillating and electrifying dance step to the admiration of all.
The road show which halted human and vehicular movements, started from the Palace through Erhieta and Udu-okpara Streets, stretched through a long distance until it culminated in Efe-Nogo Lodge, the venue of the reception, along Abbi Road.
At the reception venue, dignitaries from all walks of life, including the President General of Orogun, Chief (Barr) Benson Ndakara, board member, Federal Capital Development Authority, Chief Pius Ovbije, Chief John Agabi, Chief O.J. Orogun (JP), Chief Edeki Akporugo, Mr. Lawrence Ugbemudia, Chief Edwin Achugbue, Chief Barack Ozor, Chief Ominimini Ubiuwevbi, Hon. Friday Adugbo, Barr. Denis Warri and others, Orogun Grammar School Old Boys Association, members of Orogun Council of chiefs, government officials, associations, the Evwierhurhoma & Efe-Nogo families, community leaders, Ominimini Vanguard, friends and well-wishers were held spell-bound by the scintillating performance of the world renowned and inimitable Orator, MC Jogodo.
Meanwhile, Chief Benson Ndakara, while speaking to Oghwoghwa Reporters, described the chieftaincy conferment as a well deserving one for the new entrant into the distinguished association of Orogun Council of Chiefs. In his words, “I am particularly impressed by the display of filial unity, cooperation and commitment to the development of Orogun as exemplified by the Efe-Nogos. They have shown that being in the diaspora is not an excuse not to develop Orogun. I am therefore challenging others to do same”.
In what can best be described as the ‘Oruese effect’, the ceremony ended with a feast, where guests were treated to a sumptuous array of local and continental cuisine to the satisfaction of all.
It was a day filled with pomp and pageantry, and one that will be remembered for years to come because a daughter, wife, mother and child development expert of ‘queenly’ proportion was honoured by her community.
