By Foster Akpore
Ebor-Orogun community in Orogun Kingdom, Delta State, on Tuesday, December 30, marked the 2025 Ebor-Orogun Day with the formal launch of the ₦60 million Okarorho Royal Palace project, drawing traditional rulers, political leaders, professionals, and indigenes from across the country and the diaspora.
The event, held at Ebor Main Town, was organised by the Ebor-Orogun Development Association (EDA) and presided over by His Eminence Ambassador Adjereṣe (Barr.) O.M. Anuku, the Adjereṣe of Orogun Kingdom. Chief (Barr.) Dennis Warri served as Vice Chairman of the occasion.
Community leaders in attendance included His Highness Chief John Aniefusu Usoro, the Okarorho of Ebor-Orogun, and members of his cabinet; Chief (Barr.) Benson Onoharigho Ndakara, the Onoharigho of Orogun Kingdom and President General Emeritus of the Kingdom; Chief Samuel Ojumah; as well as members of the traditional council and leaders of the Association.
In his welcome address, the President General of the Ebor-Orogun Development Association, Mr. Obaro Watemi, FCA, described the celebration as a landmark moment in the life of the community. He said the palace project symbolised the people’s resolve to preserve their cultural identity and strengthen traditional institutions.
Watemi outlined the Association’s development priorities to include the renovation of the community health centre, improvement of water supply, enhancement of local security, and empowerment initiatives for women and youths. He also commended the growing cooperation between the Ebor Traditional Council and the Development Association, noting that the partnership has helped to restore peace and cohesion in the community.
Delivering the keynote address, Ambassador Anuku said the launch of a permanent palace marked the end of years of displacement of Ebor’s ancestral heritage. He observed that Ebor and Unukpo had long remained the only communities in Orogun without permanent palaces, stressing that a fixed cultural centre would strengthen the people’s sense of belonging and continuity.
“The idea of a permanent palace is about safeguarding our heritage and giving our ancestors a stable home,” he said, urging indigenes to make personal sacrifices to ensure the project is completed within a short time.
The ceremony featured cultural dance performances, the unveiling of an almanac, and the fundraising launch for the palace project. At the launch, the chief launcher, Mr. Kennedy Obedeke made an anonymous donation, while Chief Barr. Benson Ndakara donated ₦5 million, Ambassador Anuku donated ₦3.5 million, and Chief (Barr.) Dennis Warri contributed ₦1 million. Mr. Obaro Watemi FCA donated ₦400,000, Mr. Wilson Oliseyenum Edi, Chairman of the Ebor-Orogun Development Association, Lagos Branch, announced a donation of ₦4 million while Chief Do-Good O. Efe-Nogo, JP, the Onotu-Uku of Orogun kingdom who was unavoidably absent, but represented by Prof (Chief) Edwin Achugbue, made a donation of ₦300,000.
Other donations included ₦500,000 each from Mr. Chuks Erhire; Deacon Dennis Orogun; and the Chairman of the Warri Branch of the Association, Mr. Onoriode Obukohwo. Contributions of ₦300,000 came from the EDA Warri Branch, while the EDA Ughelli Branch donated ₦150,000.
Further donations were received from Barr. Franklin Agbonifo Stephen (₦100,000), Jeremiah Ediri (₦100,000), Friday Adeotu (₦100,000), Kingdom Oyeghe (₦100,000), Sam Oku (₦100,000), Austin Watemi (₦100,000), the Godstime Social Club of Orogun (₦200,000), and Comrade Titus Okotie (₦50,000). Prof. (Chief) Edwin Achugbue also donated ₦50,000, while the Ozuaka community redeemed the sum of ₦100,000 from the sum of ₦200,000 pledged and several others too numerous to mention. In all, over ₦17 million was realised at the launch.
Several individuals and groups were honoured with awards in recognition of their contributions to community development. They included Chief Barr. Benson Ndakara; Ambassador O.M. Anuku; Mr. Wilson Oliseyenum Edi; Mrs. Cecilia Onobrakpor; Deacon Dennis Orogun; Mr. Obaro Watemi, FCA; Mr. Lucky Eyonobor; Mr. Kenneth Ohwofasah; Mr. Peter Ufuoma; Mr. Richard Sadjini; Mr. Edi Rufus; Mr. Valentine Obedeke; and the EDA Lagos Branch.
Organisers said the strong turnout and generous donations recorded at the 2025 Ebor-Orogun Day reflected renewed unity among sons and daughters of the community and a shared commitment to preserving its cultural heritage for future generations.