Olu of Warri hosts 9th edition of Ghìghó Aghòfén

The Itsekiri Communities of Ethiope-West Local Government Area, Delta State on Saturday 16th March, 2024 received a warm welcome by His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, as they assumed the duty of keeping watch over the Palace – Ghìghó Aghòfén- for the next quarter, hoisting their flag on the sacred Aghofen grounds as the Okere community flag was lowered.

The Communities being:
1. Éfúrokpe- Founded by Jegbo circa 1027 AD (11th Century AD), duly affirmed natural aboriginal community status in Warri Kingdom, by His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, the Olu of Warri, at the Palace on 10th October 2023.

2. Óbíté-ükpàghà. Founded in Efurokpe by Ijegbo in the 11th Century AD.

3. Éwúsé. Founded in Efurokpe by Ijegbo in the 11th Century AD.

4. Ibírifó Community. Founded by Princess Iyeifo circa 1480 AD (15th Century AD).

5. Ogúnmèyin. Founded in Ibirifo by Oyeifo in the 15th Century AD.

6. Ékwóbòdò Community. Founded by Udah circa 1480 AD (15th century AD).

7. Éfó Community. Founded by Modeoghanran in the 18th Century AD.

8. Aja-futughe. Founded by Fütüghe Ifiè in the late 18th century AD.

9. Aja-títon Community. Founded circa 1820 AD (early 19th century AD).

10. Oyeajà Community (Aja-omôneükänrín). Founded by three uterine brothers: Ômátié, Dèmeyin, and Imoneükänrin circa 1896 AD (late 19th century AD).

11. Àjà-üduaghan Community. Founded by Uduaghan in the 19th century AD.

12. Ífólé. Founded by Mene in the 20th Century AD.

Ogiame Atuwatse III (CFR), The Olu of Warri Kingdom Itsekiris in Ethiope West bowing before the Olu of Warri Ogiame Atuwatse III (CFR), The Olu of Warri Kingdom Traditional dancers at the 9th Edition of Ghigho Aghofen Itsekiris in bowing before the Ogiame Atuwatse III (CFR), The Olu of Warri Kingdom Efurokpe community flag received A massive image of Ogiame Atuwatse III being presented to Ogiame by the Itsekiri communities in Ethiope West Chiefs of Warri Kingdom dancing Ilaje dancers at the 9th edition of Ghigho Aghofen Okere Community bowing before Ogiame Atuwatse III (CFR), The Olu of Warri Kingdom Ogiame Atuwatse III (CFR), The Olu of Warri Kingdom Itsekiri Communities in Ethiope West LGA receiving their flag from Chief Gabriel Awala (Uwangue of Warri Kingdom) Itsekiri Communities in Ethiope West LGA Dancers at the 9th edition of Ghigho Aghofen Itsekiris in Ethiope West dancing before the Olu of Warri Ogiame Atuwatse III (CFR), The Olu of Warri Kingdom Itsekiris in Ethiope West bowing before the Olu of Warri Ogiame Atuwatse III (CFR), The Olu of Warri Kingdom

The day marked a significant moment in the history of these Communities, symbolizing unity and commitment to their heritage under the esteemed leadership of His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, the Olu of Warri Kingdom.

The colorful ceremony was well attended by several distinguished sons and daughters of the kingdom as well as groups from other tribes resident in the Warri kingdom. In addition to the unity Ghìghó Aghòfén continues to promote among all who reside in Warri, it now serves as a major tourist attraction for well wishers who continue to travel from far and wide to witness the richness of the itsekiri culture.

#OluofWarri #GhighoAghofen