Mike Osarenren Igbinedion
Kingsley Abavo (Managing Editor), Benin
Mike Osarenren Igbinedion, one of the Children of the revered Esama of Benin Kingdom; Sir Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion was on the 23 of April, 2025 among the 54 persons initiated into the Edion (Elders) Council of Okada, the administrative headquarters of Ovia-North-East Local Government Council Area of Edo State.
This initiation is coming after about three decades it last held, serving not only as a revival but a sustenance of the age long established cultural heritage of the Okada Community, and the Benin Kingdom.
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It is no wonder therefore; that Mike Osarenren Igbinedion chose this time to be initiated, thus reinforcing his undying love and craze for the culture and tradition he was born into by his parents.
It should be noted; that the Edion (Elders’ Council) play a vital role in preserving the culture and passing down traditions, customs, and historical knowledge to the younger generation; a commentator who chooses to be anonymous said.
As it also produces the Odionwere (most senior and local administrative Head) when the one in charge passes on, he added.
Which means; just like everyone initiated, Mike Osarenren Igbinedion could one day become the Odionwere of Okada, overseeing affairs of the community on behalf of HRM Oba Ewuare II with God’s permission.
Like his father, the Esama of Benin Kingdom, he is known to project the culture and tradition of the Benin Kingdom everywhere he goes; particularly he would prefer to always adorn the traditional attire of the skirt (Buluku) and top, accompanied with the coral beads; for uniqueness and identity.
Mike Osarenren Igbinedion
Typically; initiation into the Edion Council is a vital aspect of Okada Community and Benin Kingdom cultural heritage which emphasises the significance of age, responsibility and community service, cum demonstrated wisdom, integrity and leadership.
These attributes; Mike brings to the table joining the Edion Council of his place of birth, able and ready for the bigger responsibilities ahead.
No doubts, his rich profile speaks volumes for this assertion!
Mike Osarenren Igbinedion is a barrister at law, and Chairman, Wanton Group of Companies/GHPP Konsult/GO H2O Water Limited; and Serendip Oil and Gas Limited.
Apart from being a professional lawyer and successful entrepreneur, he is a responsible family man and politician with untainted character; one of the personages the future leadership of the local community and indeed the Nigeria society beckons; particularly at this trying times in our collective history as a people.
Initiating Mike and others; the Odionwere, Samson Idehen and some elders were quoted to have said: “Joining the ‘Edion’ (Elders’ Council) is a privilege typically reserved for respected individuals; who have served the community, demonstrated wisdom, integrity, and leadership.”
Upon this premise; the antecedents of Mike Osarenren Igbinedion obviously attest to his readiness for the bigger responsibilities ahead as one of the Edions of Okada, who is primed to take on the reins of leadership as we go into the future, pregnant with legion of daunting challenges.
Responding, he thanked the elders of the community for considering him worthy of initiation into the Elders’ Council.
This marks a milestone in the journey of his life he said, adding; that such position has placed on him a huge responsibility of promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom.
As he promised to join hands with the elders of the community to preserve the age long tradition and custom of the people.
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