Okaijesan of Esanland Marks 55 Years Coronation Anniversary

Okaijesan of Esanland Marks 55 Years Coronation Anniversary

...says leadership is a sacred responsibility.

By: Oriaifoh Godwins

The second longest reigning, monarch, and perhaps the oldest in age, in the universe, is perhaps His Royal Highness, Alhaji William Okoeguale Momodu ll, JP, CON, the Okaijesan of Esanland, and the Ogirrua of Irrua kingdom, in Edo state, Nigeria, who on Saturday, the 27th of June, 2026, celebrated his 55th year on the throne of his fore fathers.

Born to the family of HRH, Isidahomen II, on the 6th of March, 1930, Alhaji W. O Momodu went through a formal education and became a Nurse that worked briefly in Benin General Hospital, and later with the Mid-western Nigeria Development Corporation at Ewohimi and Igueben.

The Okaijesan was coronated as the Ogirrua on the 22nd of June 1971. Apart from Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the king of Brunei, a sovereign state, who has reigned for 58 years now, HRH, Alhaji William Okoeguale Momodu II, JP, CON, is perhaps the second longest reigning monarch in the universe.

Compared to the elaborate 7 Day festival that held five years ago, to mark his 50th coronation anniversary, this 55th coronation anniversary of the Ogirrua of Irrua kingdom and the Okaijesan of Esanland, was low key celebration, it was not elaborate. In spite of this however, it was marked by pomp and pageantry that showcased the tradition and culture of Esanland.

High Chief Thomas Aghemelo, the Ogiewolo of Irrua kingdom, the Living Archive of the Okaijesan Royal history, a man of over 90 years old, mesmerized everyone present when he...

The 55th coronation anniversary, of the Ojirrua that held at the Okaijesan Palace ground, attracted very minimal dignitaries because of the 'low tempo' of the event, even though a high delegation of Edo state government officials led by His Excellency Governor Monday Okpebholo, had yesterday, Friday 26th June 2026 visited the Okaijesan to congratulate him on his 55th anniversary on the throne.

In his address, read on his behalf by the Palace Secretary, Prince Ogbeide, the Okaijesan who said; "The Emerald jubilee reminds us that, leadership is a sacred responsibility...."

"...this celebration is not about one individual, it is a tribute to the resilience, culture and heritage that have been preserved through generations".

Describing the governor of Edo state, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, as the indefatigable executive governor of Edo state, the Ojirrua of Irrua, thanked the governor for what he called "his monumental developmental strides in Esanland and the entire Edo state", adding that; "yesterday, he led government officials to my Palace to felicitate me on this historic celebration".

Barr. Umar Musa Ikhilor Esq, the Secretary to Edo State Government, SSG, was the Chairman of the occasion, but was represented by High Chief Abudu Ugbesia, the Chairman, Edo State Traditional Medicines Board, TMB.

In his goodwill message, the SSG, on behalf of the government and people of Edo State, extended his heartfelt congratulations to HRH, Alhaji.W.O Momodu ll.

Describing the 55th coronation anniversary of the Okaijesan as a remarkable milestone, Barr Ikhilor said; "This remarkable milestone, is a testament to Your Royal Highness', enduring legacy of exemplary leadership, selfless service to humanity, and unwavering commitment to the peace, progress and prosperity of your people".

Continuing, the Edo state SSG, said: "For over five decades on the throne, the Okaijesan has distinguished himself as a father to all, a unifying force and a beacon of wisdom whose reign has fostered harmony, stability and development across Esanland and beyond".

The SSG also commended the Ogirrua for his steadfast commitment to the unity of Esanland and the advancement of the people of Edo state, which continue to inspire generations, and serves as a shining example of traditional leadership.

The dignitaries that were physically present at the event, included Professor Reuben Efeidiyi, the Chief Medical Director, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, ISTH, as well as the management team of the hospital. Mr. Ambrose Odiase, former Registrar, Administration, of the Ambrose Alli University, AAU, Ekpoma, Professor Eromonsele, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Admin, of AAU, Prof. Matthew Izibili, another encyclopedia of Esan heritage, and a host of others.

Also present are an array of Okaijesan Palace Chiefs, the Aikore Social Club whose live Patron, is the Okaijesan of Esanland and a host of other personalities and groups.

High Chief Thomas Aghemelo, the Ogiewolo of Irrua kingdom, the Living Archive of the Okaijesan Royal history, a man of over 90 years old, mesmerized everyone present when he mentioned, in their chronological order, all the past rulers of Irrua kingdom, as far back as the 18th century, up to the present king. Chief Ojiewolo, who can also be aptly described as the living archive of the history of Irrua kingdom, did not only mention the Kings that reigned in their chronological order, he also mentioned the dates and day of the week they were coronated and the date each of them joined their accessors. This left many with the question: How come he still remember all the details?

Also during the occasion, two distinguished alumni of Annunciation Catholic College, ACC, Irrua, Dr. Joseph Adonor Ohens and Dr. Austin Omobhude were recognized and honoured for their selfless service to their Alma mata and Esanland.

The entire management team and staff of Esan Magazine, wish Alhaji William Okoeguale Momodu II, JP, CON, the Ojirrua of Irrua kingdom and the Okaijesan of Esanland, many more years of remarkable reign on the throne of his forefathers.

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