By Akinwale Kasali
The Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom in Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Ovie Richard Layieguen Ogbon, Ogoni Oghoro 1, has died.
The acclaimed World’s Oldest Monarch joined his forebears at the age of 106.
The Late Monarch ascended the throne 35 years ago and was the Chairman of Urhobo Traditional Rulers Council, otherwise known as Ukoko R’ Ivie R’ Urhobo.
The entire people of Urhobo and the Delta State Government are both, at once, mourning and celebrating his death.
Announcing the demise of the Monarch, Olorogun Macaulay Ovbagbedia, Otota of Olomu Kingdom 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, because he was old but it’s painful though.”
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 marriage.
He added that Chiefs should not adorn themselves in the traditional red cap and should add black armband to any dressing during the time.
Burial plans shall be announced shortly.
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.
The Oghoro 1 as he was fondly called was the 12th Ohworode of Olomu.
Olomu is one of the ancient kingdoms in Nigeria.
According to history, the Olomu was the only Royal Canon of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion.
The late Urhobo king was the father of the first Nigerian 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 departed Ohworode’s last public event was his 106 birthday celebration tagged ‘longevity king’ where he sang songs of praises to God and stated that a man only dies when God approves it.
The posture that day was clearly that of someone who was preparing for the last journey as his message was more of a farewell.
According to him, “God I thank you for your grace, please open your ears to give me long life so I can do that which pleases you all the time.
“Many people came here today for various reasons because I have been away, but I am here today to thank God. Fear God and do his will. In whatever you do, call on God daily.
“Do your best to follow God’s directive in your life. Have clean hands, avoid stealing, avoid embezzlement of public and individual funds.
“Avoid sexual relationship with other people’s wives and your relatives. Learn to love, forgive and be free of hatred, avoid jealousy and be contented, avoid alcohol and drugs abuse.” the Monarch added.
