As a custodian of tradition vested with the responsibility of overseeing the sacred proclivities of Eku deities and ensuring that there is lasting peace, harmony and unity amongst the diverse people of different religious beliefs in Ebiraland, the Ohireba Obanyi ( the overall custodian of shrine deities), Adayi Aminu Ozi Adana Omeiza, revealed to correspondent of The Nigeria Reporters (thengreporters), Tayo Onimisi Omodaiye in this exclusive interview how hectic and financially laden the job of overall Ohireba is, and how patience is required of to stay afloat of the job.
He seized the opportunity to appeal to Governor Yahaya Bello to upgrade his stool, and in a corresponding fashion, present him with staff of office, as he also appreciated the governor on his security landmarks in keeping the state safe from different nomenclature of security challenges ravaging the country, amongst others.
Excerpts
Tayo: Can you please tell me your name?
My name is Adayi Aminu Ozi Adana Omeiza. I'm presently occupying the seat of the first Ohireba in Ebiraland. I'm also being referred to as the Ohireba Ododo. Where you have come to meet me now is Uhuodo. It's an ancient community in Okehi LGA of Kogi State. It used to be the residential home of Ododo. I oversee all the functions of other Ohirebas in Ebiraland. I'm accorded that respect.
Tayo: How long has your seat been in existence?
The seat has been in existence for a very long time after the death of Ododo. I witnessed five persons occupied the seat while I was growing up. It may interest you to know that many persons had seat on this stool even before I was born. All those that had occupied the seat in the past were all from Uhuodo. I'm the present Ohireba Obanyi seating in the stool and I've spent 30 years on the seat.
Tayo: What are the functions of Ohireba in Ebiraland?
The functions are numerous.
It's part of my job to ensure there's peace in the land. I'm constantly consulting the gods and appeasing the spirits to ensure there's peace in the land.
I do alot of sacrifices to ensure all evils are averted in Ebiraland. You will remember during the time of COVID-19 pandemic. Our Governor is a man of great faith. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he said the disease is not existing anywhere in Kogi State. The gods conspired to assist him. We didn't record any case in Kogi state. That's how every leader should stand for their people.
I also announces the celebration of eche oziete. I watch over the shrine (ireba) and watch out for the annual signs before the announcement for eche can be made. It's also part of my job to ensure the sanity of our tradition is not abused. Our culture must be kept sacred and holy. We don't want to corrupt our culture by introducing foreign things to it.
Tayo: You mentioned shrine (Ireba). Can you let us know more about the shrine?
It's not a subject to be discussed openly. We have our guiding rules. The few things I can tell you is that women can not go near it. It's also not all men that can enter where it's. It's few selected persons that can enter where it's to perform rituals. Our shrine is not a cinema where people go to watch movies. You see the spot where Ododo transformed into eku cult is where is today refered to as the shrine (ireba).
Tayo: What's your assessment of the present administration of Alh. Yahaya Bello, the Executive Governor of Kogi State. Has he done well?
I want to firstly, commend Governor Yahaya Bello for involving traditional rulers in security matters. Governor Yahaya Bello is the first Governor in the history of the state to bring modern amenities such as good road networks, hospitals, schools among other numerous development projects. I'm happy with his government. I also commend the efforts of the Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Salami Deedat Ozigi. The Okehi Local Government Chairman too, Hon. Abdulraheem Ohiare has brought us dividends of Democracy. I have 100 per cent hope that the coming of Ododo will usher Kogi state into more fortunes. I want to use this special avenue to appeal to the Government of Alh. Yahaya Bello to grade the stool of the Ohireba Obanyi. I use my personal money to run the affairs of the shrine.
Tayo: Before we go do you have any message for all the Ohirebas' in Ebiraland?
In the past, Ohireba was one and usually refered to as 'Ohireba Ododo' or 'Ohireba Okehi". As time passes, there was need to have Ohireba in other areas. This is because I cannot be everywhere. They are my subordinates. However I hold them in high esteem. My message is to all traditional rulers, community leaders and the religious leaders. They should take the security of their respective communities serious. When they do this, they would be contributing to the development of the state.
Tayo: Thank you for your time Adayi.
You are most welcome.
Adayi Aminu Ozi Adana Omeiza can be reached via 07032429439 or
08148157764. Watch this video Watch video here
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