NEWSROYALE In Iduwini, the king still communicates with gods of the land
The uniqueness of many African traditional communities is portrayed by the Ijaws of Iduwini in Bayelsa State, as their traditional ruler, the Pere, is the link between the community’s gods and the people.
In many Nigerian and indeed African societies, the traditional head of a community, has a range of dos and don’ts, so also are the subjects. Some of these traditions are taking as sacrileges or taboos if they are flouted.
This is not different for the Iduwini in Bayelsa State. Iduwini kingdom is one of the most ancient Ijaw clans/kingdoms in the Niger Delta. The kingdom has produced other clans/kingdoms in the state and parts of Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State and Ovia Local Government of Edo State, who migrated from Iduwini kingdom to their present abode.
According to the tradition of the people, it is believed that Pere, the traditional head with palace at Amatu, the cultural seat of Iduwini kingdom, is the only one in the kingdom that communicates with the gods of the land, having been chosen by the oracle himself.
But among a striking aspect of the Iduwini tradition is that the Pere will never attend a funeral no matter the personality.
The Bebefiewei of Iduwini or the spokesperson for Iduwini kingdom, Chief Saturday Ebiwarebo confirmed to Daily Trust on Sunday that the Pere of Iduwini kingdom doesn’t attend any funeral or burial ceremony throughout his lifetime. He however assigns a title chief in council, known as “Ekperiyai Duwoi Pere” to attend all funeral functions.
Also, there are certain protocols that are observed before the king goes out, as it is expected that there is nobody higher than a king in the kingdom. Before then, the daily routine of the king starts with pouring libation to the gods of Osouogbosu (The god of the land).
While stepping out, the king will be fully dressed in the royal regalia for the event he is billed to attend. He will put up his royal crown, neck and hand beads with a royal staff, which will be followed by the procession by the royal staff.
Chief Ebiwarebo highlighted the sequence of movement of Pere. He said: “Before the King goes out for any ceremony, but he rarely goes out, other chiefs in the kingdom will stand on his left and right sides. Nobody stands ahead of the king while he is moving, and the king’s protocol office ‘Ogbodosibewei’ always went ahead of the king to clear the way, but later stay away from the front position of the king.”
He said: “The palace guards are always stationed at strategic positions around the palace and on any routes the king wants to pass through. For example, two Azuzufounweis [Palace police] standing, on his left and right of the stool fanning the king as he sits on the throne, the royal staff of office [Akolosibewei] will be placed in front of the Azuzufounwei with other royal officers called ‘Akolor’, while the Wurutuawei [Cup bearer] is sitting on the king’s right side.”
The spokesperson also explained that others on duty when the king goes outing are the Asisafiniwei [Umbrella bearer], Akpasibewei [Treasurer], Fiyaidiwei [Chief catering officer] whose duty is to taste all food before the king takes it.
The normal outing regalia of the king are red or white attire, red cap, red beads and red staff among others.
Also speaking, the Fungewei of Iduwini kingdom or Secretary to the Kingdom, Chief Peter Agu told Daily Trust that the kingdom has some regulations governing the other chiefs in the council of the Pere. He explained “No chief of Iduwini origin put on a cap or hat in the presence of the Pere or dresses more than the Pere in beads and other clothing and the king’s palace is guarded by the Pereolukpa [Palace police] who stand at various gates and doors inside and outside the gates.”
He said the king organizes the annual Osuogbosu Benikamai festival in Iduwini clan every November upon sighting the new moon, which highlights the efficacy of the god of Osuobosu deity.
Also the annual Amatu Bini Kamai festival is annually organized by the people of Amatu community, the traditional headquarters of Iduwini Kingdom to appreciate the Almighty who gave them water [Bini] and provides fishes and other aquatic related occupations.
Daily Trust on Sunday observed that part of the festival always took place at the traditional centre referred to as “Osuo Egbesu Bo” where the heads of various kingdoms, clans as well as other dignitaries to perform traditional rites.
The Palace Secretary [Perefungewei], Prince Roland Ibane Esq, told our correspondent that the Pere stool in Iduwini is the symbol of unity among the Ijaw Nation, and the ancestor are happy that the culture of the people are being sustained by the successive generations.
The Pere of Iduwini, popularly called the Ogiobe by his subjects, is no doubt the most celebrated stool in Bayelsa State and indeed the Ijaw Nation.
The stool is well respected and regarded by Iduwini people, because he is being seen as the representative of the gods of the land. He is most celebrated by his subjects, especially when he is leaving the palace to attend events or any ceremonies. Also it’s expected that the Pere don’t lie thereby his verdict in any matter affecting the kingdom stands and is respected.
The exalted royal position dates back to 1470 AD, when Portuguese arrived in Africa. By that time, the 5th Pere was already on the throne. Then the throne was known as “Ogirijogar.”
In 1897, the nomenclature of the stool was changed stool from Ogirijogar to Ogiobo, which has also transformed to what is called the Pere Ogiobe 1X today.
Presently, His Royal Mayesty, Pere Joel Ekeni Ibane, the Ogiobe 1X is a descendant of Ebiribodo royal quarters of Amatu. He was selected by the oracle in 2011. As the custom of the people demands, the Pere position is not contested for.
Daily Trust gathered at the palace that only two royal families produce the Pere in Amatu. They are the Onadiri and the Ebiribodo royal quarters.
On the whole, the stool of the Pere is ever revered despite the strong influence of popular cultures from around the world.