Business Mogul and cultural ambassador Michael Igbinedion, the son of Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, was elevated to join the Elders Council at a ceremony in Okada, Ovia North East local government area of Edo State, where other notable personalities were also initiated.
The event is one of the community’s cultural heritage age grades, last held 30 years ago. It is also a significant socio-cultural institution that organises people within similar age brackets, often within a range of a few years.
The ceremony attracted many sons and daughters of Okada, as well as the patriarch of the Igbinedion dynasty, the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion.
The category of those initiated includes Ighokhae, Junior youth aged between 18 and 30 years old, while Ighele youth is within the age bracket of 30 and 55.
The initiation of Michael Igbinedion positioned him to become the Odionwere of Okada in the years to come.
Responding, Mr. Mike Osarenren Igbinedion thanked the community’s elders for considering him worthy of initiation into the Elders Council.
He said this marks a milestone in his life’s journey, adding that such a position has placed a huge responsibility on him to promote the rich cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom.
He promised to join hands with the community elders to preserve the aged long tradition and custom of the people.
Also, the Odionwere of Okada, Pa Samson Idehen, and some elders said joining the Elders Council, otherwise known as Edion, is a privilege typically reserved for respected individuals who have served the community and demonstrated wisdom, integrity, and leadership.
They noted that the Elders Council is vital in preserving culture and passing down traditions, customs, and historical knowledge to the younger generations.
“Historically, joining the Elders Council, Michael Igbinedion has attained a respectable age and has made significant contributions to the development of the Okada community through leadership, service, or other meaningful ways.”
