Igede Culture: Praise in Igede Assembly (Ogbo Ogwogwo)
Welcome to another wonderful episode of Igede Culture Class, written version. The Igede People of Benue State of course have a very rich and significant culture. Just like National Anthem is recited before the commencement of any Official event in Nigeria, so also the Igede people give an introductory praise popular known as ‘Ogbo Ogwogwo’. Only the eldest amongst them at a particular gathering does the introductory praise. Not everyone is qualify to do this, but only the ogabwo among them. Here is such an introductory praise chronologically and comprehensively written by Mr Benson Egbodo. Read below.
“Introductory praise is referred to as a brief opening speech expressing gratitude and nobility to the progenitors of the Igede people as well as recognising the 14 clans that make up the Igede nation. The praise significantly gives credit to the ancestral father of the Igede people and his descendants for being the epitome and source of their existence in the land.
Also read: “Top 50 Igede Names and Their Meanings.
“It is usually recited by the spokesperson of the elders before venturing into the purpose of the conference. This introductory praise is a remarkable protocol mostly observed in Epwedii summit at Ujegbe in Iyeche clan; as well as other dignified functions involving the nucleus and membrane of the entire Igede society. The order of introductory praise is as follows:
“Igede Ihyoo, Igede Ihyoo, Igede Ihyoo
Ogbo ka ri nya Agba Adahi
Ogbo ka ri nya Ada la Ocheche
Ogbo ka ri nya Adikobia Ugbodu uwaa Oye
Ogbo ka ri nya Amono
Ogbo ka ri nya Ogbagba Okpalegwu
Ogbo ka ri nya Ochim Aadu
Ogbo ka ri nya Obila Olehe Ugbeikum
Ogbo ka ri nya Ada-Ainu
Ogbo ka ri nya
Ogba ka ri nya Ada-Oto
Ogbo ka ri nya Ada Ololega
Ogbo ka ri nya Ada Itakpa
Ogbo ka ri nya Ada Igabwu
Ogbo Ogbo ka ri nya Ada Oju, owa ri onyi o chi uma nya Ada-Ogede le.
“Presentation of Kola; it’s acceptance and pious blessing follow, immediately the introduction, and then the purpose of the assembly.
Also read:“What You should Know about the Igede People of Benue State”
Source: Igede Traditional Custom and Paradox of Modernism by Comr. Egbodo Benson Akpegi
Comment on “Igede Culture: Introductory Praise in Igede Assembly (Ogbo Eji Ogwogwo)”