By Ovie Okpare
The oldest monarch in the world and Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom in Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Ovie Richard Layieguen Ogbon, Ogoni Oghoro 1, has joined his ancestors.
The revered traditional ruler passed on at the age of 106.
He ascended the throne of his forebears 35 years ago and was the chairman of Urhobo Traditional Rulers Council otherwise known as Ukoko R’ Ivie R’ Urhobo.
Oghoro 1 was the twelfth Ohworode of Olomu. Olomu is one of the ancient kingdoms in Nigeria.
He was the only Royal Canon of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, a title that is recognized in England.
The late Urhobo king was the father of the first Nigeria’s female ambassador, late Ambassador Princess Ogbon-Day.
Princess Ogbon-Day was Nigerian Consul-General to Hamburg, defunct West Germany and the Philippines under the regime of former President Shehu Shagari.
The passage of the monarch was announced at the Olomu Palace by the Otota of Olomu Kingdom, Olorogun Macaulay Ovbagbedia.
THE Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom, HRM, DR, (OVIE) R. L. Ogbon, Ogoni-Oghoro 1, Royal Canon, OON, Chairman, Council of Traditional Rulers Urhobo Nation has joined his ancestors aged106 years.
The World oldest monarch journey to the great beyond was announced yesterday during a meeting of the traditional council at the Ohworode palace in Ogoni Olomu.
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.” He said.
On his part, Olorogun Albert Akpomudje, SAN, Akpile of Olomu Kingdom said due to the happening, there shall be 21 days of mourning in the kingdom, no celebration of burial and marriages across the kingdom.
He added that Chiefs should not adorn themselves in the traditional red cap and should add black armband to any dressing during the time.
Akpomudje added that burial plans shall be announced shortly.
“We are mourning and celebrating, reason is because he was old but it’s painful though.” He said.
The departed Ohworode of Olomu had celebrated his birthday on 20th January with a thanksgiving after a bout of health challenges over a period of two months.
Born on 20th January 1917, 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.
“The Ohworode had 12 children but was survived by 11 following the demise of the eldest child to Late Elizabeth Ogbon-Day, Nigeria first woman Ambassador.
The late Ohworode was installed as the 12th Ohworode in 1988 when he was 70 years old.
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