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•Aghofen culture displayed in grand style
From Ben Dunno, Warri
It was a nostalgic moment recently as Itsekiri indigenes and guests were treated to an historic stage drama on the transitional and cultural development of Iwere kingdom by the Olu’s cultural troupe. The drama, “A Crown Beyond Ode-Omi Oba Nenuwa of Omadino took place at the Olu of Warri’s Palace, Aghofen, Warri South Local Government, Delta State.
The soul lifting drama which held audience bound at the place including the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse lll, informed the younger generation and reminded the older ones their ancestral roots.
Director of the drama and President, Aghofen Troupe, Abigail Tonukarin, said the drama was showcased not only to entertain Iwere Kingdom but to educate the people especially the younger generations about their ancestral roots: “Many of the Itsekiri people don’t really know actually how the Iwere as a Kingdom came to be. “It is they that will now tell their stories for the world to see, hear and know.
“The story is told in drama, acted as in this case. It makes it more realistic and memorable to them. This drama is presented for our children to know the history of where we came from. It is we that will tell our story.
“Ogiame Atuwatse lll has mandated us that every three months, Aghofen Troupe should present a play for the community that is on duty and the people that guide the palace for every three months. By December, we are zooming on another community just as we have done on Omadino community. It is a thing of joy for the group to always present plays for Itsekiri as a nation to make them happy.
“Itsekiri parents should always tell their children the kingdom’s stories as many of the children are not aware of their ancestral roots.
A director of the drama and member of Aghofen Troupe, Pastor Jerry Oritsewenyinmi Otuedon, said the drama Troupe is initiated by Olu of Warri to promote Itsekiri cultural history in a balanced perspective: “The drama is to inform the present and future generations the history of the various communities in Iwere Kingdom.
“We zoomed on Omadino community to let the people know that the community forms part of Aborigin communities before monarchy was established in Warri. It is to inform the world that many of the communities which their neighbours lay claims to today, belong to Itsekiri.
“The drama is meant to tell our present and future generations the history of our communities, especially Omadino Community and make people understand that Omadino forms one of Aborigin Communities before monarchy was established in Warri Kingdom.”
They expressed gratitude to the Olu for creating the platform which has enabled them to showcase the ancestral roots of Itsekiri nation just as they thanked him for his moral and financial assistance which the made the programme come to fruition. They promised not to fail in living to the expectations of Ogiame Atuwatse lll and the entire Itsekiri nation.
