Adapted By GoodLuck Ikiebe.
The Okhe title holders in red caps
The red cap often worn by the people of Avhianwu known as Omada, in Edo State in Nigeria is a trans-generational practice among the people. This rich tradition was on display recently when some ‘sons of the soil’ had the Okhe title conferred on them on the fulfilment of the obligatory traditional requirement before a male child is qualified to put on the red cap (Omada).
The ‘red cap’ is an integral part of the Avhianwu culture, and symbol of authority, honour, leadership and the institution of tradition and power itself. Though the red cap is also used by some parts of Nigeria like the Esan and the Binis in Edo state, the Igbos in Southeast and the Ekwere in Rivers state.
The material means almost the same thing among all the various traditions, but it is approved for different categories of people, depending on their cultural values. For example the ichie (Chiefs) are allowed to use the red cap in Iboland. Also in Avhianwu tradition, putting on the Omada (red cap) is not for all men. Omada is one of the most significant material in Okhe title, which is the obligatory traditional requirement before a male child is qualified to put on the red cap (Omada).
Staff of office for chiefs at all levels; Oduevho, Okhaemho, Ukpi, etc are instituted by Omada, and red/blue beads for neck and bracelets.
The eagle feather chief (father for age group) signifies prominence.
When one has been conferred a chieftaincy title in Avhianwu, it is proper that he must wear the red cap to appear in sociocultural functions and events.
Meanwhile, it is appalling, and improper that without fulfilling the conditions and earning the entitlement to wear the Omada, many people today wear it indiscriminately. No ideal practice is automatic for all men, no matter its relevance and significance, including the use of Omada by Fugarians/Avhianwu.
It is necessary to however satisfy the traditional requirements before putting on the Omada. Authority and traditional values must be jealously protected by all stakeholders by making sure that only those who are qualified to wear Omada, do so.
While the “gazetted citizens” should be encouraged to use Omada, the other class should be encouraged to statutorily do the needful and join the former.
On the other hand, women in Avhianwu are encouraged to use the reformed igbogane to tie their head.
In addition, the traditional Avhianwu clan is predominantly an agrarian community with red soil. Apparently, they are proud of it, hence the choice of “red cap”.
President, Fugar Progressive Union, FPG, Barrister Richard Anetekhai has been working round the clock to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Fugar and Avhianwu in general. According to Anetekhai, the preservation of our rich cultural heritage is a task that must be accomplished.
Many Fugarians are of the view that the OKHE institution is a great heritage from their ancestors, which they must support and nurture.
Of recent, some people no longer see the need to perform the Okhe rites either because of their religious beliefs or ignorance and misinformation. They claim that it is fetish and ungodly. One of the title holders told THISAGE that the claim is a big fallacy.
“If OKHE was fetish in the past, it is no longer so. A lot of innovations and changes have been brought into it. No chicken sacrifices are offered and nobody is made to swear to any deity again.”
Some of the new title holders described the event as full of glamour, joy and nostalgic.
