Itsekiri leaders converge in Benin as Pa Toghanro launches 3rd book

Ace promoter of Itsekiri culture and tradition, Chief Ayirimi Emami, the member Representing Warri Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Chief Thomas Ereyitomi, Chief Edward Ekpoko, Chief Mike Odeli, Hon. Daniel Mayuku, Prince Yemi Emiko and Sir Amorighoye Sunny Mene, were among eminent Itsekiris that congregated in the ancient city of Benin Saturday November 30, when Pa Pullen A. Toghanro, launched his third book, titled " Dudu Descendants of Warri Kingdom."                             

Fresh Angle International, understands that the book, which notes some of Chief Dudu's 84 children, is the third in the series of books written by Pa Pullen A. Toghanro.           

2nd from left: Prince Yemi Emiko, Pa Pullen A. Toghanro, Chief Ayirimi Emami & Chief Mike Odeli

The first book he wrote was " Local Government (A personal experience) and the second was " The Life and times of Chief Dudu.                     

Chairman of the book launch planning committee, Sir Amorighoye Sunny Mene, in his address, during the colourful ceremony, stated : "This is the third in the series of books by the same author; first was "Local Government" (A personal experience)”, followed by "The Life and times of Chief Dudu", both published by Ovie Industrial Press, 2000 and 2005 respectively.

"This is a very special occasion because according to Late Pa. J.O.S Ayomike, a great author, Itsekiri Ethnographer and Historian, " If you want to live for ever, write a book". Pa Pullen A. Toghanro has joined the club of those who will live for ever.

Chief Ayirimi Emami, dancing to Itsekiri melodious tune

"As Chairman of this book launch committee, I have taken some time to read this book and the two books earlier referred to above. I must once again congratulate the author for a great job.

"In writing the forward to this book, I completely aligned myself with the submission of Mr Monday Oritsegbubemi Etotuomah-Dudu who wrote the FOREWORD of an earlier book by the same author , " The Life and Times of Chief Dudu". I consider his opinion as truthful and sincere about the content of the book and the person of Pa Pullen A. Toghanro, when he wrote ".... the situation at present in which very many members of the group hardly know beyond their nuclear fathers and mothers, their full blooded brothers and sisters and their half-brothers and half-sisters, is deplorable and leaves much to be desired. These "unknowing" members have been groping in the dark, being unable to identify a good number of their blood relations and socialize and deal befittingly with them as such. This abysmal ignorance has been very costly indeed, as it has robbed them off many good things in the past..."

Chief Edward Ekpoko

"Pa Pullen A Toghanro who is now 87years old is a great grandson of Chief Dudu of the Agbueju stock of the Ologbotsere Eyimisanren descendants. 

"The Ologbotsere family is, if I may venture to say, the number one in the hierarchy of nobles (patrician class) and houses the topmost in hierarchy of chiefs in Warri kingdom.

"The Ologbotsere Eyimisanren family is so large that four out of every ten Itsekiri persons gathering in a place, not by design, are Ologbotsere's descendants.

"The author, Pa Pullen Toghanro, Pa H.J Oporokun (104years old) and a few elders of the Ologbotsere family belongs to a fading class of noblemen in Warri kingdom, who do not see black and call it white. They believe that the rule of law must govern society to avoid anarchy. As custodians of our ancient customs and tradition, they believe in our core values and mores and are gate keepers and our nexus with the past. As it is often said; "what the elder sees sitting, the young one does not see, even when they climb to top of the tallest iroko". 

"The Millennium and Gen Z generations consider they can change the customs and traditions of the people according to their whims and caprices and they must bully others to follow, through social media and/or through violence.

" I must appreciate the author for a painstaking research and careful eye for details in the writing of this book. I must also salute the courage of our last standing heroes in defending our customs and tradition, on succession to the throne of the Olu of Warri and criteria for the investiture of "ojoye Isan"as prescribed by our customs and traditions in Warri kingdom. "

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