On 16th December 2023, Okere community had marched merrily into the palace of His Majesty after taking the reins of the palace watch (Ghigho Aghofen) from Ikpisan community.
Last Saturday, Okere gathered in significant numbers to heartily welcome His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III to their community. The formal reception commenced with members of the community escorting as His Majesty’s motorcade approached, accompanied by several cultural displays in an atmosphere filled with cheer.
In an atmosphere filled with cheer as His Majesty arrived at the community Town Hall, where he would afterwards offer prayers and blessings for Okere community before departing. This visit was part of a series of events planned for Okere community, which had been entrusted with the ceremonial watch over the Palace of the Olu of Warri.
Ghigho Aghofen and Ugwa Olu have become customary quarterly occurrence where His Majesty receives a community who keeps ceremonial watch at the palace for the period of 3 months during which time His Majesty will in turn visit the community. The occasions continue to foster the inexorable unity within the communities of the Warri kingdom, strengthening our bonds as a people while also showcasing the richness of our culture to the rest of world.
Orugbo community was founded by Ibrikimo and Otuekine deity, later joined by Ike during the reign of Olu Irame, between the years 1525 to 1549 AD. Their migration commenced from present day Iraq in the Middle East, traversing Northeast Africa to Ode-Itsekiri, and then finally terminating in Orugbo. Here they settled and diligently practiced their mission and belief system, which centered on doing good, justice, and equity at all times.
