By Ambrose Ologide .
It was celebration galore as Chief ( Pa ) Jonathan Ashimo Ayiwe was installed as the Okpako ( eldest man ) of the ancient Urhobo Kingdom of Agbarha Warri in Warri South Local Government Area last weekend.
The installation was done by the Okpako R ‘ Ovwodo ( eldest man )of Agbarha Warri riverine community of Ukpokiti High Chief William Edio , the Olowu ( Chief Priest ) of Owhurie Deity , High Chief Collins Oyibo , Chairman Agbarha Warri Regency Council, High Chief Willie Atebefia Digbori (JP) and the Adjerese of Agbarha Otor Kingdom Professor Sam Ibodje at Edion Hall , Otovwodo (Agbassa ) Community , Warri.
The Chairman of Agbarha Warri Regency Council High Chief Willie Atebefia Digbori (JP) had earlier in his welcome address before the installation stated among other things that before the present monarchical period in Agbarha Warri kingdom, an Okpako of the kingdom was the paramount ruler ( Gerontocracy ) and that the kingdom transited into a monarchical period on the 9th of April, 1998 .
Digbori however added that “the deity aspects, customs and appellate court remained with the Edion Council, with the Okpako in charge till date .
He had also explained that besides age , an Okpako of Agbarha Warri kingdom must be a male and paternally from the kingdom.
He further disclosed that the 93 years old Okpako of Agbarha Warri kingdom was the 3rd Okpako of the kingdom in recent times .
Some children , relations and friends of the new Okpako of Agbarha Warri who spoke to newsmen shortly after the installation, expressed gratitude to God for Chief ( Pa ) Ayiwe ‘ s attainment of the Okpako of Agbarha Warri kingdom just as they spoke volumes of his goodness to humanity.
Those that spoke included Glory Ayiwe, Rotarian Newton Ayiwe, Chief Suny Popo ( JP ) Chief Joachim Osevwerha , Hon Ese Deduwa among others.
