His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse lll(1st) and His Imperial Majesty Dr. Greg Nuamdi Oputa, The Obi Oputa 3rd, the Obi of Aboh have tete-a-tete discussion during latter’s visit to the former while latter’s entourage look on during Aghofen Troupe drama presentation on Friday.
By Samuel Ogude
It was an atmosphere of joy on Friday as Olu of Warri, HRM Ogiame Atuwatse lll drama group known as Aghofen Troupe entertained Iwere Kingdom with thrilling and soul edifying drama. The Drama which its title:” A Crown Beyond Ode-Omi Oba Nenuwa Of Omadino took place at the Olu’s Palace (Aghofen ) in Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State. The soul lifting drama which held audience bound at the place including the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse lll, informed the younger generation and reminded the older ones their ancestral roots.
L-R: His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse lll(1st), His Imperial Majesty, Dr Greg Nuamdi Oputa, The Obi Oputa 3rd, the Obi of Aboh(end) and his encourage on right hand seeing His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse lll off after exchanging pleasantries during Aghofen Troupe drama presentation at Palace on Friday
Speaking at the programme, the Director of the drama and President of Aghofen Troupe, Abigail Tonukarin said, the drama is showcased not only to entertain Iwere Kingdom but to educate the people especially the younger generations their ancestral roots. According to her, many of the Itsekiri people don’t really know actually how the Iwere as a Kingdom come to be. She said, it is they themselves that would tell their stories for the world to see, hear and know adding, the story is told in drama (acted as in this case), it makes it more realistic and memorable to them. She said:” This drama is presented for our children to know the history of where we come from. It is we that will tell our story.”
Drama group on stage on Friday
According to her, as directed by His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse lll,the drama would be done for every three months to entertain the people both in the palace and the Itsekiri as a nation. “His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse lll has mandated us that every three months, Aghofen Troupe should present a play for the community that is on duty and the people that guide the palace for every three months and by December, we are zooming on another community again just as we have done on Omadino Community today”, she said. She said, it is a thing of joy for the group to always present plays for Itsekiri as a nation to make them happy. She charged Itsekiri parents to always tell their children the Kingdom’s stories as many of them (children) are not aware of their ancestral roots.
Drama group on stage on Friday
On his part, the Director of the drama and member of Aghofen Troupe, Pastor Jerry Oritsewenyinmi Otuedon said the drama Troupe is initiated by Olu of Warri His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse lll for purpose of promoting Itsekiri’s cultural history in a balanced perspective. According to him, the drama is showcased to inform the present and future generation the history of the various communities in Iwere Kingdom. He said, they zoomed on Omadino Community to let the people know that the community forms part of Aborigin communities before monarchy was established in Warri Kingdom. According to him, it is to inform the world that many of the communities which their neighbours lay claims today, belong to Itsekiri.
He said:” The drama is meant to tell our present and future generations the history of our communities especially Omadino Community and make people understand that Omadino Community forms one of Aborigin Communities before monarchy was established in Warri Kingdom” According to him, many of Itsekiris have their lineage to Omadino Community.
Drama group on stage on Friday
They expressed gratitude to the His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse, lll for creating the platform which has enabled them to showcase the ancestral roots of Itsekiri nation just as they thanked him for his moral and financial assistance which the made the programme come to fruition. They promised His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse lll and the entire Itsekiri nation of more of such entertaining programmes as scheduled at every three subsequent months. The Programme which traced the origin of the Kingdom and its kingship from time immemorial to this present day, was described by many as entertaining and thrilling ever in recent times.