Okpella Monarch Calls For Preservation Of Kingdom Culture

The Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, His Royal Majesty, Micheal Sado has called on the people to preserve the Kingdom’s age-long culture and heritage.

Sado made the call at the annual “Olimhi” festival held at Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo on Saturday.

“There is a need to preserve and sustain the rich cultural heritage of the Okpella kingdom.

“I am calling on the sons and daughters of Okpella to always project the good image of Okpella at home or abroad,” he said.

Sado said that the “Olimhi” festival is celebrated to honour the ancestors and to mark the beginning of a new year in Okpella kingdom.

“The festival has been practiced for a long time by our fore fathers, and it is the day every son and daughter of Okpella comes out to celebrate the “Olimhi” festival,” Sado said.

Speaking on the significance of the “Olimhi’’ festival, Chief Musa Sado and Chief Okumagbe Ogene, the Village Head of Imiamune 1V, Afopkella said the festival promote love and peace in the community.

Sado and Ogene said that the festival was a way of remembering the ancestors and to offer sacrifice for more blessings for the community.

“The festival is in rememberance of our fore fathers, by going to their graves and offering sacrifice with beans cake and pounded yam.

“The festival is also associated with the display of masquerade of various types to entertain the guests as sons as daughters of Okpella as well as guests who converged at the king’s father compound at Afokpella to witness the beautiful dancing skills of the masquerades,” they said.

The wife of Okuokpellagbe, Queen Faziyat Sado in her remark advised sons and daughters of Okpella to uphold the culture and tradition of the community.

According to her, the celebration shows a community that is connected to their roots and I am very honoured to witness the vibrant celebration of who we are today.

“It is not just a mere festival or celebration. It is a representation of our identity as a People.

“It is like a living expression of who we are, from the dance to the sound of the music, the food, the attire and the language.

“It only shows a community that is connected to their roots and heritage and I urge every son and daughter of Okpella to always celebrate this day with so much pride.

“Let this day show who we are and let it inspire the younger generation to cherish, honour and uphold our culture and tradition,” she said.