Community installs Diety chief priest
By Ambrose Ologide
The people of the ancient Urhobo Kingdom of Agbarha Warri in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State have traditionally installed Collins Oyibo as the new Chief Priest of Owhurhie Diety ( populaly known as Agbassa Juju ).
A seven-day rites was performed as part of activities marking his traditional installation at the shrine of Owhurhie legendary forest in the heart of Otovwodo Community in Warri.
The rites involved male indigenes, dressed in red colour war like traditional regalia with sharp cutlasses.
The fieced looking dancers sang sonorous war songs of Owhurhie Diety in the morning and evening for the seven days.
The Oghwuvwie R ‘ Ode of the kingdom, High Chief Francis Ugbejevun, spoke to newsmen on the installation of the new chief priest.
He expressed joy over the success of the seven days event, saying that Owhurhie Festival was a war like festival, celebrated biennially by the people of the Kingdom.
He added that the festival was as old as the history of Warri and that it was the symbol of unity among the Agbarha Warri communities of Otovwodo (Agbassa) , Igbudu, Ogunu, Edjeba, Okurode ( Ekurede Urhobo ) Ukpokiti ( riverine ) and Oteghele ( riverine ).
He disclosed that the popular Agbassa Juju would be celebrated next year.
It would be recalled that the new Chief Priest had earlier this year been introduced to HRM London Aforkerhi Itu (JP) Ememoh 11, the Ovie of Agbarha Warri Kingdom.
