Mike Ozekhome

Ademola Adegbamigbe

This is for the love of Benin tradition which compels its men (including chiefs) to shave their heads when the Oba dies. Last week, Benin High Chiefs announced the death of Omonoba Erediauwa, uku akpolopolo, omini, mini, mini…

Although Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), Obafemi Awolowo University trained lawyer and human rights activist, is the Opkakafikifiki of his native Iviukwe, Agenoebode home town in Edo State, he is the Enobakhare Ode of Benin Kingdom, a title personally bestowed on him in 2014 by the late Oba of Benin

In the words of Ozekhome: “We must respect our culture, customs and traditions. As the Enobakhare Ode of Benin Kingdom, a title personally bestowed on me in 2014 by the iconic and legendary Oba himself, I belong to the Egha vbo’nore league, the highest Council of Chiefs headed by the Iyase, with Esogban, Eson, Esama, et al, as high ranking members. So, it is a case of montre la lu’miere. Long live the great Benin Kingdom.”