13th Ghigho Aghofen: A Grand Showcase of Itsekiri Heritage at the Olu’s Palace

WARRI, Delta State – On Saturday, March 29, 2025, the Palace of the Olu of Warri, Aghofen (royal palace), served as the majestic setting for the 13th edition of Ghigho Aghofen, the opening instalment of the “Palace Watch” ceremonies for the year. His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III hosted all and sundry to a rich display of tradition, celebrating Itsekiri culture and fostering ideals of peace and harmony not just among Itsekiri communities, but among all peoples who call Warri home.

The event marked a significant transition as the Ugboegungun Community proudly took over the esteemed Palace Watch duties from the Ogheye-Eghoroke community, following their successful three-month period of guard. The air was filled with celebratory excitement as the Ugboegungun community, led by their esteemed Chief Samuel K. Omaebeyinje, the Olugbo of Warri, marched in gloriously. Their large numbers, adorned in beautiful matching wrappers, danced with palpable energy to the sonorous music rendered by the native Itsekiri drums – the Iye Ogume, Oton Ogume, Okiri, Pokiri, Agba, and Oma (bell).

In the customary fashion that underscores the deep respect for tradition, chiefs and elders overseeing the outgoing Ogheye-Eghoroke community formally lowered their flag. Subsequently, the incoming Ugboegungun community received their flag directly from the throne, a symbol of their new responsibility to be hoisted on the palace grounds for the next three months.

His Majesty, speaking through Chief Oma Eyewoma, the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom, extended heartfelt gratitude to all communities that have participated in the Palace Watches so far. He also took the opportunity to announce the communities who will be taking on guard duties for the remaining quarters in 2025, further emphasising the continuous cycle of communal participation in safeguarding the royal institution.

Communities played a pivotal role in the success of this edition. Special recognition was given to Ogheye community for their dedicated three months of guarding the Aghofen (Palace Watch), a testament to their commitment to the royal institution. The incoming Ugboegungun community also received accolades, particularly for their distinctive and vibrant yellow attire that illuminated the palace grounds.

The choice of Ugboegungun to take on the mantle of the Palace Watch is significant, reflecting their deep roots and historical importance within the Warri Kingdom. The community, Ugboegungun Ale, was founded by Prince Otseyen, an Uzere crown prince who became one of the alien chiefs under Olu Irame, the 3rd Olu of Warri Kingdom.

Driven by a quest for new opportunities after a dynastic struggle in Uzere, Prince Otseyen journeyed through various rivers, eventually settling at Ugboegungun Ale in Ugborodo, Warri South West Local Government Area, where the formidable Baobab trees (Egungun) provided ideal material for carving fishing and transport canoes. His descendants, including Ogiegba, Eneno, and Omugbo, went on to establish key settlements like Ode Ugboegungun, Ubarasun, Aja-Ufo, Ubagbelemeji, Omiadaje, Otumara, and Sahara, which collectively form the vibrant Ugboegungun community today.

Beyond the core ceremony, the occasion was a vibrant kaleidoscope of cultures, colored by various groups from across the length and breadth of the Kingdom. Indigenes from different communities and ethnicities were in attendance at the Ghigho Aghofen, including Yorubas, Ilajes, Binis, Esans, and Igbo, to mention a few. This broad participation underscored the festival’s role as a unifying force and a testament to the diverse communities that coexist peacefully within Warri.

The 13th Ghigho Aghofen was lauded as a truly successful event, seamlessly blending age-old customs with vibrant modern celebration. Anticipation is already building for the next editions of Ghigho Aghofen, which are scheduled to be hosted by: