When Opute Day Cultural Festival 2025 set Ozọrọ Kingdom agog
By Editor
THE 19th edition of Opute Day Cultural Festival 2025 was held today ON December 26, 2025 at the popular Opute Hall open space. The event, which was spectacular celebration of Ozọrọ and Isoko culture, witnessed the coming together of distinguished sons and daughters of Ozọrọ kingdom and neighbouring communities, who once again enjoyed the rich cultural heritage as handed over from our founding fathers, and showcased by the various cultural groups.
The activities of the day began with the arrival of His Royal Majesty, (Barr.) Anthony Uvietobore Ogbogbo, Ibuka 1 (JP), Ovie of Ozọrọ Kingdom, accompanied by the council of chiefs. This year’s edition was significantly impressive as kingdoms, clans and communities with affinity to our kingdom were conspicuously present, not just to enjoy the rich cultural display flawlessly showcased, but to tell the stories of our oneness as children of the same ancestors, who still enjoy undiluted common identity with unity of purpose.
Present at the ceremony were the representatives of Afor Clan, Obodougwa Community, Ushe Community, Okpe Isoko Kingdom, Ashaka Community, Aboh Kingdom and Ofagbe Community, whose Odiologbo Regeant was present with his adorable wife. Also in attendance were the Ndigbo residents in Ozọrọ, Arewa group and Ijaw Community. Their presence added glamour and colour to the festival.
Present at the ceremony included the Odiologbo of Ozọrọ kingdom, Odio Sylvester Efeturi Atadu, Chairman, Council of Chiefs, Chief Emmanuel Edevor, Oletu-logbo, Oletu Egbamuno Ikor, Egweya-logbo, the youth president, with Ozọrọ Progress Union (OPU) delegation led by Comr. Francis Ogba. Also, the Chairman of Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Delta State chapter, Prince Maikpobi Okareme, was present.
His Royal Majesty, (Barr.) Anthony Uvietobore Ogbogbo, Ibuka 1 (JP), Ovie of Ozọrọ Kingdom
Others dignitaries includee Engr. Orobosa Uzuazomaro Ashakah, Prof. (Barr.) Henry Akpobor Okeri, Prof. Nathaniel Akpofure Ojekudo, Dr. & Prof. (Mrs.) Philip Akpomi, Dr. Sunday Ejemite, Odio Sunday Emoredo, Prince Nicolas Areh, Hon. Michael Enahoro, PhD, among other notable sons and daughters of Ozọrọ kingdom.
The high point of the festival was the presentation of awards to some deserving persons of the kingdom, who have distinguished themselves in their various fields of endeavours over the years. The recipients were pioneer Vice Chancellor of Southern Delta University, Ozọrọ, Prof. Jacob Snapps Oboreh, for his uncommon development strides in the university community towards the growth and development of Ozọrọ Kingdom, Engr. Orobosa Uzuazomaro Ashakah, for his benevolence and commitment towards the development of Ozọrọ Kingdom, Prof. Nathaniel Akpofure Ojekudo, for his academic feat and total commitment to the growth of Ozọrọ Kingdom, Mr. Godwin Izomor (Akpusa), for his unmatched generosity in Ozọrọ Kingdom and at Southern Delta University, Prof. Henry Akpobor Okeri, for his uncommon academic feat as a mentor to the younger generation. Others were Prof. Margaret Akpomi, for her academic feat as the first female professor from Ozọrọ Kingdom, Alhaji Mahmud Tukur, for his outstanding performance, and the first private oil and gas company in Ozọrọ Kingdom and Rt. Hon. Leonard Ogor Okuweh, in recognition of his contributions towards the growth and development of Ozọrọ Kingdom.
These awards were at the instance of Ozọrọ Progress Union, which seeks to recognise excellence and contributors to the development and wellbeing of Ozọrọ Kingdom.
The event ended with the traditional royal dance around the arena by His Royal Majesty, flanked by the President-General, Odio Berkley Eloviano Asiafa and other members of the royal family.
This was immediately followed by the impartation of royal blessings by the king, Ibuka 1.
