The oldest monarch in Delta State, Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area, His Majesty Richard Ogbon, Ogoni-Oghoro 1, has joined his ancestors at 106 years.
The translated Ohworode who was installed as the 12th Ohworode in 1988 when he was 70 years old, was a Royal Canon and Chairman, Council of Traditional Rulers, Urhobo nation.
The passage of the renowned monarch was announced on Friday by the Otota of Olomu Kingdom, Olorogun Macaulay Ovbagbedia, during an enlarged meeting of the community high chiefs and leaders of thought held inside the Ohworode palace.
He said, “We can confirm today that our Ohworode has gone back to God. He lived a great life; he served the government well and his people.
“We are mourning and celebrating. Reason is because he was old but it’s painful though”.
Also speaking, the Akpile of Olomu Kingdom, Olorogun Albert Akpomudje (SAN), said that “due to the happening, there shall be 21 days of mourning in the kingdom, during which there will be no celebration of burial and marriage”.
He also asked that the chiefs should not adorn themselves in the traditional red cap and beads, but rather put on black armbands to any dressing during the time while the burial plans shall be announced shortly.
Earlier, the community’s Ema traditional cultural troupe had a cultural display followed immediately by booming of royal cannons for 21 times, to herald the announcement of the king’s passage.
Born on 20th January 1917, the departed Ohworode of Olomu kingdom celebrated his last birthday celebration tagged ‘longevity king’ on the 20th of January 2023 with a thanksgiving after a bout of health challenges over a period of two months.
It will be recalled that the deceased monarch, until his departure, could drive himself and read without glasses and also had a complete sets of teeth. He also doubled as the oldest man (Okpako Orere) of Ogoni Olomu Community.
His reign witnessed tremendous peace, progress and development.
The departed monarch was baptized into the Anglican Communion in 1936. He was a retired Inspector of Education under the then Bendel State ministry of education.
