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The Itsukwi community in Ward 9 Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State was filled with joy and celebration on Saturday as Elder Unumhotse James Amunumhe was coronated as the new Ojefa of Itsukwiland.

The colourful traditional ceremony attracted sons and daughters of the community, who gathered to witness the elevation of the elder to one of the most revered traditional positions in the land.

Ojefa, traditionally regarded as the title bestowed on the oldest living man in the community, represents a unique privilege associated with longevity. Its female equivalent is Anyabashi.

For the people of Itsukwi, attaining the title is considered a rare gift from God and an occasion for thanksgiving, renewed hope and prayers for peace, unity and prosperity.

The Ojefa is traditionally regarded as a link between the living, the ancestors and the spiritual heritage of the community.

The position also carries cultural significance, particularly in preserving customs and traditions while allowing for the reconsideration of practices that may have become outdated or inconsistent with contemporary realities.

Speaking during the coronation ceremony, the new Ojefa declared peace and prosperity for Itsukwiland, drawing enthusiastic responses from the assembled crowd.

“In my era, I choose peace and prosperity for Itsukwi land and all you my children all over the world” he declared, prompting the crowd to chorus “Amen” as the traditional gong sounded.

He further pronounced blessings on the people, declaring that whatever they touched, whether at home or anywhere in the world, would attract abundant blessings.

“I decree that from henceforth, whatever my subjects at home or anywhere in the world touch shall become oceanic blessings.

“In our farms and community, we say no more violence, kidnappings and killings. May the gods sanitise our forests for us to enjoy our trade, which is farming and hunting, and we shall plant little and have barns filled with harvests,” he said.

The Ojefa urged both the young and the old to embrace love and unity, warning them against crime and actions capable of bringing shame to their families and the wider community.

He also pronounced blessings on families, expressing hope for good health, safe childbirth and the fulfilment of the aspirations of those seeking children.

“Those who desire twins and triplets will start having them now, and none will die at birth or as youths. I declare this land a land of peace and prosperity.

” Whenever an Itsukwi indigene is, he and she shall prosper, and he or she shall have so much and remember home,” the Ojefa declared.

The ceremony reached its climax when a ceremonial feather was placed on his sacred red cap, symbolising his authority.

According to the community’s tradition, the feather also serves as a spiritual link through which he communicates with his forebears.

The atmosphere erupted in celebration as drums sounded and ceremonial gun salutes rang out, with the crowd cheering the new Ojefa, with words like :”Ula tu’ Ukhekha”(You will live long. The cap of your fathers ahall last on you head!”)

Reacting after the ceremony, Engr. Usman Igbasekhe, councillor representing Ward 9 in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo state, and an indigene of Itsukwi, expressed delight at witnessing the historic occasion.

“It is wonderful to be here. May God and our ancestors stamp the declarations of our father, the Ojefa,” he said.

Igbasekhe urged Itsukwi sons and daughters to embrace peace, love and unity, expressing hope that the Ojefa’s declarations would usher in a new era of development and prosperity for the community.

Also speaking, community leader and philanthropist, Engr. James Akhinegbe commended the resilience of the people and the love they had demonstrated towards the elder, whom he described as a man elevated by God to serve the community.

“It is not a mean feat. An old man that is so clear about what he wants for the community is a rare gift. I pray that Itsukwi truly becomes great and prosperous under his reign as Ojefa,” Akhinegbe said.

He called on the government to pay greater attention to Itsukwi, which he said was endowed with mineral resources capable of transforming the state’s economic fortunes and creating employment opportunities for its people.

Among the prominent associations represented at the ceremony was the Itsukwi Atakheka Development Association (IADA), a socio-cultural organisation comprising Itsukwi sons and daughters across the world, known for its involvement in community development, scholarship and human development initiatives.

The association’s National President, Chief Joachim Dominic, congratulated the new Ojefa and the entire community, commending them for preserving their ancestral traditions and cultural practices.

Represented at the ceremony by Malam Bashiru Kasimu, the association presented a cash gift to the new traditional titleholder in recognition of his elevation.

In its congratulatory message, the association expressed hope that the new Ojefa’s reign would usher in lasting peace, unity and prosperity.

“Long may you reign in good health, our father-general, and may our community and we, your subjects, begin a new chapter of uncommon peace and prosperity,” the association said.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).