In Memoriam: Ohworode of Olomu Joins Ancestors at 106
By Urhobo Historical Society
The oldest monarch in the world and Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom in Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Ovie Richard Layieguen Ogbon, Ogoni Oghoro 1, has joined his ancestors.
The revered traditional ruler passed on at the age of 106. He ascended the throne of his forebears 35 years ago and was the Chairman of the Urhobo Traditional Rulers Council otherwise known as Ukoko R’ Ivie R’ Urhobo.
HRM, Ovie Richard Layeguen Ogbon, Ogoni Oghoro 1, was the twelfth Ohworode of Olomu. Olomu is one of the ancient kingdoms in Nigeria. He was the only Royal Canon of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion.
Owing to the remarkable amount of benevolence towards Urhobo, the mission of the Urhobo Historical Society, and his mastery of Urhobo history and culture displayed in his leadership of the Council of Urhobo Kings, Urhobo Historical Society was proud to associate with him and was installed a Patron of the Society on May 18, 2018, during its 11th Conference.
The late Urhobo king was the father of the first Nigerian female ambassador, the late Ambassador Princess Ogbon-Day.
Princess Ogbon-Day was Nigeria’s Consul-General to Hamburg, defunct West Germany, and the Philippines under the regime of former President Shehu Shagari.
The World’s oldest monarch’s journey to the great beyond was announced by the Otota of Olomu Kingdom, Olorogun Macaulay Ovbagbedia on Thursday, March 16, 2023, during a meeting of the traditional council at the Ohworode palace in Ogoni Olomu.
On his part, Olorogun Albert Akpomudje, SAN, Akpile of Olomu Kingdom said due to the happening, there shall be 21 days of mourning in the 25 kingdoms, no celebration of burial, and marriages across the kingdom. He added that Chiefs should not adorn themselves in the traditional red cap and should add a black armband to any dressing during the time. Akpomudje added that burial plans shall be announced shortly.
The departed Ohworode of Olomu celebrated his birthday on 20th January with a thanksgiving service after a bout of health challenges over a period of two months. Born on 20th January 1917, the departed monarch was baptized into the Anglican Communion in 1936. He was a retired Inspector of Education under the then Bendel State Ministry of Education. The late Ohworode was installed as the 12th Ohworode in 1988 when he was 70 years old.