By joshua 
Celebrations In Okada Town As Michael Osarenren Igbinedion , Others Are Initiated Into Elders Council
By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City
The 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 the elders Council in the community, amid pomp and pageantry.
In Benin Kingdom, age grades are a significant socio-cultural landmark that organizes people within the 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 Osarenren Igbinedion, who expressed deep appreciation following his initiation into the elders Council , joy knew no bounds.
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.
“Those initiated according to tradition and customs, dressed in white traditional attire, were made to undergo some rituals, while the Odionwere pronounced blessings on them 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.
Responding, Mr. Mike Osarenren Igbinedion thanked the elders of the community for considering him worthy of initiation into the Elders Council.
He said this marks a milestone in the journey of his life, adding that, such position has placed on him a huge responsibility of promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom.
He promised to join hands with the elders of the community to preserve the aged long tradition and custom of the people.
A Son of the Community, Chief Elder Ogbeide Uwumwonse, Executive Director, ITV/ Radio, who is among the newly initiated into the elders Council, said the initiation of Michael Osasrere Igbinedion and others makes them eligible to become Odionwere in the future.
Chief Elder Ogbeide Uwumwonse, Executive Director, ITV/ Radio,said he thanked the elders of the Community who found him and others worthy to be initiated.
He promised to abide by the rules and regulations of the tradition and promote the culture of the people.
” I will ensure that the rules and regulations guiding our traditions are respected by all and sundry .”
He stated that 54 of them were installed into the age groups, the odionwere and the senior elders have to combine them since it is about 30 years that the ceremony was last conducted.
The Okada community has long been known for maintaining the age long traditions of the benin kingdom .
A notable Bini son, Engr. Elvis Obaseki, Managing Director, ITV/Radio, who celebrated Michael Osarenren Igbinedion on the occasion of his initiation into the elders Council ‘Edion’ said that historically, joining the elders Council, Michael Osarenren 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.