Ngbilebiri Mein Kingdom Bids Farewell to HRM Pere Bigborogha I I as Monarch Joins His Ancestors

By Wilson Macaulay

The Great Ngbilebiri Mein Kingdom is set to honor the memory of the late  Royal Father of the Kingdom, (HRM) Pere Bigborogha I I (JP) with a series of elaborate passage rites. The events are scheduled to take place from August 12th to August 18th, 2024, at  Kiagbodo, the traditional headquarters of the Ngbilebiri Mein Kingdom. 

This significant occasion underscores the profound respect and reverence held for the late monarch, who passed on to eternal glory on August 16, 2017.

HRM Pere Bigborogha I I was a revered  Royal  Father whose legacy will continue to resonate throughout the Ngbilebiri Mein Kingdom and beyond. His reign was marked by dedication to the welfare of his people and the preservation of their cultural heritage. The planned elaborate passage rites commencing today, August 12th, 2024, are a testament to his impactful leadership and the high esteem in which he is held by his subjects.

The Ngbilebiri Mein Kingdom has planned an array of ceremonies to honor the late monarch. These rites are deeply rooted in the traditions and customs of the kingdom, reflecting the community's rich cultural heritage. The passage rites will include traditional dances, songs, and other cultural performances, bringing together people from all walks of life to pay their respects to the late king.

The ceremonies will commence today, August 12th, with a grand opening event at Kiagbodo, the traditional headquarters of the Ngbilebiri people. This initial gathering will feature an address by prominent leaders and dignitaries, who will speak on the life and legacy of HRM Pere Bigborogha I I. The opening event will set the tone for the week-long activities, highlighting the significance of the occasion and the deep sense of loss felt by the people of the Ngbilebiri Mein Kingdom.

Throughout the week, various autonomous villages within the Ngbilebiri Mein Kingdom will participate in the passage rites. Each village will have the opportunity to present their tributes to the late monarch, showcasing their unique cultural expressions and honoring their shared heritage. These activities will foster a sense of unity and solidarity among the kingdom's inhabitants, reinforcing their collective identity.

One of the highlights of the week will be the traditional procession, a ceremonial walk through the streets of Kiagbodo. This procession will be led by the kingdom's elders and designated traditional chiefs who will carry symbolic artifacts representing the late king's reign. The procession will culminate in a central gathering where prayers and blessings will be offered for the late monarch's peaceful transition to the ancestral realm.

The passage rites will also include a series of cultural exhibitions, featuring artifacts, artworks, and historical documents related to the life of HRM Pere Bigborogha I I. These exhibitions will provide attendees with a deeper understanding of the late king's contributions to the Ngbilebiri Mein Kingdom and the broader cultural landscape.

As the week-long ceremonies draw to a close, the final day will be marked by a grand reception, bringing together the kingdom's inhabitants for the final passage rites. The members of the Delta State Executive Council, led by the State Governor His Excellency, RT Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, will be on hand as the special guests of honor. This feast will symbolize the unity and continuity of the Ngbilebiri Mein Kingdom, celebrating the enduring legacy of HRM Pere Bigborogha I I.

The Bigborogha Royal Family led by the  eldest Son of the late Monarch, Prince Dr  Christopher Perekeme, Princess Chief Beauty Perekeme, Prince Peresuode Perekeme and a host of others of the children of the late royal father Will be on ground to steer the ceremony as teadition  demands to enviable heights.

The Ngbilebiri Mein Kingdom's passage rites for HRM Pere Bigborogha II are more than a farewell to a revered monarch. It is a celebration of his life, his contributions, and the cultural heritage he helped preserve. As the kingdom comes together to honor his memory, it is also a reaffirmation of their commitment to their shared values and traditions, ensuring that the legacy of HRM Pere Bigborogha II will continue to inspire future generations.

Through these elaborate ceremonies, the Ngbilebiri Mein Kingdom is expected to pay a commensurate tribute to a monarch whose impact will be felt for years to come. The passage rites of HRM Pere Bigborogha II will serve as a reminder of the importance of cultural heritage and the enduring bonds that unite the Ngbilebiri Mein Kingdom people. As HRM Pere Bigborogha II joins his ancestors, his legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of the Ngbilebiri people at home and in the diaspora.

Wilson Macaulay is a Daily Independent Newspaper Correspondent based in Warri, Delta State.