Major John Oudley Ovwufeti (Rtd) has emerged as the Odion Orode elect of Evwreni Kingdom in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State following a traditional selection process conducted by the Okpahwa Community, in line with the age-long customs of the kingdom.
Ovwufeti’s emergence was announced on Saturday, February 7, 2026, during an enlarged meeting of the Okpahwa Community held in Evwreni Kingdom.
By established tradition, the Odion Orode of Evwreni Kingdom must come from the Okpahwa Community, which convened the meeting to formally conclude a selection process that commenced about a year ago.
Announcing the outcome, the Chairman of the Screening Committee, Alhaji Unagha Mumakai, represented by Chief Eric Osharode, explained that the process involved nomination, background checks, and thorough screening of the candidates presented by the community.
He said two candidates were initially nominated, after which the committee carefully evaluated them in strict compliance with the customs and traditions of Evwreni Kingdom before arriving at Major Ovwufeti as the Odion Orode elect.
The enlarged meeting drew representatives and notable sons and daughters from the four main streets that make up the Okpahwa Community, all of whom witnessed the formal presentation of the Odion Orode elect.
The successful conclusion of the process was greeted with excitement and widespread approval, as community members described it as the culmination of a long-awaited and transparent traditional exercise.
Following the announcement, an Installation Committee was constituted to work out modalities for the formal installation ceremony, which will take place after the Odion Orode elect is presented to the entire Evwreni Kingdom.
Reacting to the development, the Ovworevwe of Okpahwa Community, Mr. Augustine Ighomido, commended the screening committee for what he described as a diligent and credible process.
Similarly, the Olotu Rode of Evwreni Kingdom and Chief Priest, Chief Jabin Omoko, expressed satisfaction with the peaceful and orderly emergence of a new Odion Orode, noting that the outcome reflected strict adherence to tradition.
In his remarks, Major John Ovwufeti (Rtd) thanked the people of Okpahwa Community and Evwreni Kingdom for the confidence reposed in him, saying he was honoured to be found worthy to ascend the ancestral position as the 16th Odion Orode of Evwreni Kingdom.
Several prominent individuals and community leaders were present at the event, including Pa Friday Atobramrere, Olorogun Samuel Adjogbe, Chief Eric Osharode, Chief Priest Jabin Omoko, Mr Joseph Akoma, Hon. Desmond Ikpugbu, Hon. John Odeimor, Sir Fidelis Adjogbe, traditional title holders, political leaders, youths, women, and elders from within and outside Okpahwa Community.
The emergence of Major Ovwufeti marks a significant milestone in the traditional leadership structure of Evwreni Kingdom, as preparations now begin for his formal installation as Odion Orode.
