A businessman and community leader has been honoured with the traditional title of Pere Oru I of Ikibiri, an elevation he described as both unexpected and deeply significant to his personal journey and ancestral heritage.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
Speaking in an interview with EMTV News after the ceremony, the newly installed title holder expressed gratitude to the traditional institution, dignitaries, family members and representatives of various communities that attended the event.
He said the conferment came as a surprise, adding that the presence of prominent personalities and community members made the occasion particularly memorable.
“I feel very happy, and it came like a surprise. Some things that come to me are unimaginable. Like today’s event, I was even surprised. Even the dignitaries and everybody that graced the occasion made me feel special,” he said.
Explaining the meaning behind the title, Pere Oru, he said it signifies “rich God” and reflects his belief in the ancestral deity known as Egbegi÷ala, which he described as a deity associated with wealth in the Ugu kingdom.
According to him, his decision to accept the title was influenced by his understanding of his family’s ancestral history and his belief that his achievements were not solely the result of personal effort.
He explained that his ancestors served Egbegi-ala and that, following his personal exploration of his family’s history, he came to identify with the deity.
The businessman recounted what he described as a series of personal experiences that eventually led him to seek greater knowledge about his ancestry and traditional heritage.
He said his search took him to a chief priest in Ogula Community, where, according to his account, he was introduced to aspects of his ancestral history and encouraged to embrace his heritage.
“I was a very hardworking person, but working and not seeing results triggered me to ask what was the problem,” he said.
He further narrated an incident in which he was shot on his birthday, saying the experience strengthened his belief that he had encountered Egbegi-ala.
According to him, a stranger who witnessed the incident later described seeing what he interpreted as a manifestation connected to the deity. He said the experience reinforced stories he had previously heard from his father about his ancestral title and traditional heritage.
The businessman said that since embracing what he described as his ancestral calling, he had experienced significant changes in his personal and business fortunes.
He also acknowledged the support and guidance he had received from traditional and community leaders, including individuals he described as mentors and father figures.
Beyond his personal success, the newly installed Pereru I said his primary objective was to use his position to promote unity, love and reconciliation within his family and community.
He appealed to members of his extended family to put aside jealousy, betrayal and divisions, stressing that his understanding of Ebigala was that of a force for unity rather than destruction.
“He is not a god of destruction. He is a god of unity, love and wealth,” he said.
He also called on members of his family to communicate any messages or experiences they might have concerning their ancestral heritage, saying such interactions would help strengthen family bonds and preserve their history.
The businessman, who identified himself as the Chief Executive Officer of Ebimos Hotel and Egbegi-ala Group of Companies, also spoke about his business achievements.
He said Ebimos Hotel had recently opened its second branch and attributed the rapid growth of his businesses to hard work, divine favour and what he described as the continued support of Egbegi-ala.
Reflecting on his journey, he said his experience had reinforced his conviction that success should be accompanied by responsibility towards family and community.
He pledged to use his elevation not merely as a personal honour but as an opportunity to promote unity, preserve ancestral heritage and contribute positively to the development of his people.
The conferment of the Pere Oru I of Ikibiri title therefore marks what the businessman described as a significant chapter in his life, linking his contemporary business pursuits with his understanding of his family’s traditional heritage and ancestral history.
Kindly share
