Canadian Citizen Of Esan Paternity Finally Connects With Family After 59 Years
By: Oriaifoh Godwins
A Canadian citizen of Nigerian paternity, Esan tribe, Leslie Ebanehita Aluede, on the 1st of April 2026, finally met her siblings and other members of her family in Uzebu-Usugbenu, Irrua, in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo state. The celebration of the home coming of Madam Leslie, held at her father's compound in Uzebu-Usugbenu, where her siblings and kindred as well as well wishers of the family were gathered.
The story is a long one that dated back to the 60's when late High Chief Ruphus Aluede travelled to the United States for study. Mrs. Sonia Balogun, Nee Aluede, one of Madam Leslie's younger sisters, who revealed that since she was born, she is seeing her for the first time, added that, her father told her that he met Leslie's mother when he was schooling in University of New Hampshire in the United States of America, and at that time, her father was in 100 Level while Leslie's mother was in 200 Level in the same University; and one thing led to another, they fell in love, and Leslie emerged from the relationship.
Madam Leslie, in her late 50's speaking with Esan Magazine, expressed joy that she has finally connected with her family, saying; "...I was brought up by my adopted white parents who were once in Tanzania and later, Kenya before they finally returned to Canada. I have been living by myself since I was 14 years old".
She said; "...I knew the names of my siblings from the letter my dad wrote to me years ago, but unfortunately, I lost the letter, hence the address of my father, but later found it".
Speaking on how she was eventually able to connect with her family, she said, she connected with Uwadiale Aluede on facebook, who turned out to be her cousin, and further discussions with Uwadiale, convinced him that they are cousins, and that she's the daughter of High Chief Ruphus Aluede, hence Uwadiale connected her to her siblings.
Travelling to Nigeria, from New Zealand, was another experience to her, as she first had to travel to Dublin to meet with one of her cousins, Maris Ogedengbe, and together, they travelled to London, to meet with Abraham Ijekhuemen, another of her cousins, before coming to Nigeria.
Madam Leslie Aluede, born in Toronto Canada, but now living in New Zealand, is blessed with five children and nine grand children. She never got to know her father during his lifetime, and that got her emotionally broken as she narrated her experience all these years.
Also, late High Chief Aluede's first son, Arc. Aigbobhiose Phillip Aluede, expressed immense joy for meeting with his sister for the first time, saying; "... meeting my elder sister, Leslie Ebanehita Aluede for the first time, on the 31st of March 2026, since she was born, close to sixty years ago, is a thing of joy to me, my siblings and kinsmen who have been celebrating her home coming, since yesterday..."
Continuing, Arc. Phillip said; "...my father told us about her, showed us her pictures, and told us that her Esan name, is Ebanehita; but unfortunately, she didn't get to meet with him before he died in 2023".
Also, Mr. Francis Ijekhuemen, one of Lesle's cousin, also revealed to Esan Magazine that Lesle's father, Late High Chief Ruphus Aluede, had Leslie's pictures amongst his collection of pictures, adding that, in those days, the pictures were in black and white, not coloured pictures as we have it today; and as children, they use to ask Leslie's father who the half caste was, and at some point, his uncle revealed to them that, she is his first daughter, born by an American woman.
"I am very happy that, after connecting with her on Facebook, she is finally here in her hometown, Uzebu-Usugbenu". He said.
The eldest man, Odionwele of Uzebu-Usugbenu, Elder Francis Uze, also spoke with Esan Magazine. According to him; "we are celebrating today, because, one of our daughters who was born overseas and who has never been home before, has finally come home".
"Her father told us about her, and unfortunately, when her father died, she could not attend his burial ceremony, but today, we are happy that she has finally come to know her root".
Madam Leslie Ebanehita Aluede, is an educationist who specializes in children education and care.
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Mr. Francis Ijekhuemen, Madam Lesle's cousin, also spoke with Esan Magazine.
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