The Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Macaulay Popo Ovbagbedia, Uhurhie-Osadjere II, has joined his ancestors, just two years after ascending the throne.
The revered monarch, who served as the Otota (traditional spokesperson) of the ancient Olomu Kingdom for 35 years, was crowned the 13th Ohworode on May 20, 2023.
The announcement of his transition was made on Saturday, July 12, 2025, by the current Otota of the kingdom, Olorogun Albert Akpomudje, SAN, at the palace in Ovwor-Olomu.
According to Olorogun Akpomudje, “Our father, the number one citizen of Olomu Kingdom, said I should tell you that he has gone to meet our ancestors, and he is not returning any time soon.”
In honour of the late monarch, the kingdom has declared a 30-day mourning period, from July 12 to August 12, 2025. During this time, all market activities, marriage ceremonies, and burial rites are suspended.
Olorogun Akpomudje further stated that all residents of Olomu Kingdom are to wear black armbands, hoist black flags on their vehicles, and that chiefs are not to wear their traditional red caps throughout the mourning period.
To cushion the effects of the suspension, he announced that skeletal business activities would be allowed along roads and within communities, under the supervision of the Presidents General (PGs), Itota (messengers), and Eghweya (women leaders) to ensure compliance.
He also disclosed that the late monarch had urged the people of Olomu to continue promoting peace and unity in the kingdom.
In addition, Olorogun Akpomudje announced the formation of two key committees — one to oversee the rites of passage for the departed Ohworode, and another to coordinate the inauguration of the next monarch, the 14th Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom.
His Royal Majesty Macaulay Popo Ovbagbedia, Uhurhie-Osadjere II, is remembered not only for his two years as king but also for his decades-long contribution as Otota, shaping the affairs and preserving the traditions of Olomu Kingdom.
