Memorial Mass for Late Olososo of Ososo, Oba Anslem Adeloro Obaitan (JP), Ichama II, Holds on Saturday. By Albert Afeso Akanbi

A memorial mass for the late King of Ososo kingdom, Oba Anselm Adeloro Obaitan (JP), Ichama II of Ososo will hold next Saturday (May 4, 2023) at the St Annes Catholic Church, Ososo, as climax of a week-long of activities marking the royal funeral.

The memorial mass which is holding under the auspices of the royal family and the Catholic community of Ososo was announced today at a thanksgiving mass which had formed part of the scheduled activities of the final burial rites of the royal father who was a staunch Catholic faithful.

Dependable sources told our correspondent that the forthcoming memorial mass is expected to draw the participation of the Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Reverend Dr. Gabriel Dunia and other priests of the diocese.

At today’s thanksgiving mass, the Parish priest, Rev Fr. Valentine Anavhiokhai based his homily on the exemplary leadership virtues of Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd. He emphasised that to attain civil and political leadership, aspirants must in keeping with the teachings of Christ Jesus attain such power through the due process. It is only in that way that leaders can fit into the biblical injunction to enter through the right door as good shepherds. The priest noted that those who obtain power by imposing themselves on the people and exploit their resources for personal gains are those the bible describes as the thieves who have come to steal and kill and destroy.

Akoko Edo Community Newspaper correspondent assigned to the royal burial ceremony reports that yesterday’s highlight was the processional “Ijoh’’ dance for deceased kings and titled men. The “Ijoh’’ dance which paraded the entire Ososo community comprised various dance groups, the outing of masquerades and as well as a procession of elders to a mountainous point of the town known as Egbhe Ikokohseh (Ikokohseh mountain).

The royal funeral continues till Thursday May 4, when the late king’s “Adodo’’ (effigy), will be dismantled to mark the official end of the burial ceremony.

Oba Anselm Obaitan was born in 1936, aascended the throne in June, 1990 and died in October, 2022.  His 32-year reign has been adjudged to be very peaceful.

Below are pictures from the ceremony.