Residents of Okada town in Ovia North East Local Government Council of Edo State have celebrated the historic age grade tradition and initiation ceremony into elders Council in the community, amid pomp and pageantry.
In Benin Kingdom, age grades are a significant socio-cultural landmark that organizes people within same age brackets, often within a range of a few years.
Among notable personalities initiated into the elders Council includes Michael Osarenren Igbinedion, son of the Esama of Benin Kingdom and patriarch of the House of Igbinedion, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion.
Michael Igbinedion, who expressed deep appreciation following his initiation into the elders Council , joy knew no bound.
Igbinedion, who is an ‘Edion’ meaning ‘Elder’ in the bini tradition, belongs to the elders council from where the Odionwere will emerge according to seniority.
A resident of the town, Elder Ogbeide Uwumwonse, who is among the newly initiated into the elders Council, said the initiation of Michael Igbinedion makes him eligible to become Odionwere in the future.
“Those initiated according to tradition and customs, dressed in white traditional attire, were made to undergo some rituals, while the Odionwere pronounced blessings on then and assisted them to take a seat with the elders.”
The Odionwere of Okada, Pa.Samson Idehen and some elderssaid 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 plays a vital role in preserving culture and passing down traditions, customs, and historical knowledge to the younger generations.
A notable bini son, Engr. Elvis Obaseki, who celebrated Michael Igbinedion on the occasion of his initiation into the elders Council ‘Edion’ said that historically, joining the elders Council, Michael Igbinedion has attained a respectable age and has made significant contributions to the development of Okada Community through his leadership and service to his ancestral home in very meaningful ways.
The initiation into the Elders Council is a vital aspect of Okada cultural heritage, emphasizing the significance of age, responsibility, and community service.
An age grade is a traditional social system where individuals born within a specific age range are grouped together.
