Agbon Day has come and gone, but its echoes still reverberate in our community. The jury is still on, and discussions are ongoing about some of its highlights: It was attended by 400 people, mostly Agbon members & their guests, Urhobo Kingdom representatives, and an array of diverse guests from the UK and Nigeria who added colour to the occasion. Very importantly, our Monarch, HRM Mike Omeru JP, CON, Ogurime-Rime, Ukori 1, Ovie of Agbon, was at hand to add Royal flavour to the occasion. It was a vibrant atmosphere with pomp and pageantry, as the event was held in a serene venue, Chak89 Banquet Hall in Mitcham, South London. An array of colours adorned the well decorated venue as the Agbon Sub Clans were clad in their chosen costumes, some in the Agbon Union wrappers, the Agbon Chiefs wore their full traditional regalia as is the custom when our Royal Majesty is present at the event.
The 6 (six) Agbon Sub Clans had varied cultural performances and dance to showcase our rich cultural heritage, and the Ovie was most impressed with the cultural performance by Okpara Sub clan, who incidentally is the eldest of the Agbon children, with Igun being the youngest. Kokori follows Okpara, then Eku, Orhoakpo, Ovu & Igun in that order. This was the same order in which the performances were organised. There was, of course, plenty of food to eat with a selection of sumptuous meals on the menu catered by one of our own, Ogaga Catering, and a variety of drinks to suit different palates. Sweet music to suit the occasion serenaded the atmosphere from the juke box of DJ Tfire, one of our own, a prominent DJ in the UK. The event was streamed live online on SRTV by the special guest of Chief Mrs Dora Idiabana, Daddy Chris Ogbevire Ashaiku, CEO of the TV Channel & SRTV Magazine, an Urhobo indigene who is a media mogul and a Movie Producer/Director on a pro bono basis.
The major highlight of the day was the Agbon Youth Awards, when 6 (six) Agbon youths that distinguished themselves in sports and academics were honoured to the delight of the Ovie, who promised to confer a chieftaincy title on each of them whenever they are occasioned to visit the palace with their parents.
Additionally, there was the Agbon Commendation & Leadership Awards conferred on 4 (four) Agbon indigenes who have distinguished themselves in leadership roles in the Urhobo Community in the UK. The first of the quartet was Chief Ejiro Ughwujabo, current UPU President, who was honoured with Execellence Leadership Award, for the highest standard of leadership, integrity, and achievements in the Urhobo Community in the UK. In the process, he united the Urhobo Community, and set the template and foundation for the “Urhobo House” UK that is currently work in progress. He was aptly followed by Chief Major Gilbert Edoja Rtd, immediate past President of Agbon Kingdom Union, for his transformational leadership that led to the reconstitution of Agbon Kingdom Union UK in 2015, which gave it the viable structure today. Next was High Chief Dr Mrs Rebecca Efeotor, the Urhobo House Committee Chair, for Strategic Leadership Award. This is in recognition of her strategic vision, innovative thinking, and exceptional leadership for the proposed Urhobo House initiative by UPU, UK. Completing the quartet was Mrs Felicia Awatefe, for Trailblazer Leadership Award, as the first and only female Urhobo Community President to lead an Urhobo Kingdom or Sub-clan in the UK. She served as President of Ovu Development Union, UK, for many years. The occasion was climaxed by the Agbon Development Auction, anchored by Chief Henry Obovu on a limited basis due to time constraints.
APPRECIATION:
Our utmost gratitude to HRM Mike Omeru JP, CON, Ovie of Agbon, Ogurime-Rime, Ukori 1 for gracing the occasion. Kudos are due to the Agbon President, Chief Philip Emagbetere, for his leadership, the Agbon Executives, the Agbon Consultative Committee, and the Sub Clan heads for their contribution to the success of the event. Very important mention, and profound gratitude to the Agbon Day 2025 Planning Committee members, Chaired by Chief Onome Emosivwe, Ekohwo Orogun, who did a lot of the heavy lifting, Chief Celia Ededjor, Mrs Bethel Ojigoro, Mr Joe Avwunu, Chief Mrs Dora Idiabana, Mrs Patricia Onogure, Chief Henry Obovu, James Atikporu, Ms Mariam Okpe, and yours sincerely, Chief David Idiabana, who was drafted in later on. Most importantly, our immense gratitude to Agbon Chiefs, and Agbon members, who made the event possible with the prompt payment of your levies and generous donations. Your presence & that of your guests’ in attendance made the occasion very memorable.
Warm regards,
Chief David Idiabana
Agbon Publicity Secretary
