For those who were there, it was a day they wouldn’t soon forget
A NEW YEAR'S DAY CELEBRATION AT EGEDEGE N’OKAO
Every January 1st, the heart of Benin City beats a little louder at Ogedege N’Okao, the ancestral home of the Ize-Iyamu family. This isn’t just a house, it’s a living testament to tradition, the first story building in Benin Kingdom, and a space where history and celebration meet.
At the center of it all is Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a man whose ability to gather people is almost as legendary as the home itself. For years, he and his siblings and relatives have continued a family tradition that began long before them: opening the doors of Ogedege N’Okao to everyone. No invitation is needed, because this is a celebration for all. Friends, family, and even strangers gather, leaving behind the divisions of politics, class, and age to embrace the joy of the new year together.
Yesterday, the tradition carried on in full force. The grounds were alive with music, laughter, and the irresistible aroma of food. Plates overflowed with delicacies, drinks flowed freely, and there was a sense of warmth in the air that had little to do with the sun and everything to do with the people. But this year, Pastor Osagie added something new to the festivities, a Benin traditional wrestling match. The art of wrestling, recently revived by the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, brought a fresh energy to the gathering. Spectators watched in awe as competitors showcased their strength and skill, their movements rooted in tradition.
The final match was between Ikpoba-Okha, and Egor LGA and as Ikpoba-Okha claimed victory, the crowd erupted in cheers. For many, this was their first time witnessing such an event, and it added a layer of excitement and cultural pride to an already vibrant day. Yet, as thrilling as the wrestling contest was, it was just one piece of the larger celebration. The true beauty of the day lay in its simplicity, the way people reconnected with old friends, embraced long-lost relatives, and created new bonds. There was laughter that brought tears, stories that carried the weight of years, and shared moments that made time feel irrelevant.
Pastor Osagie has a way of making everyone feel at home. Whether it’s through a kind word, a warm smile, or simply the act of keeping this tradition alive, he reminds us of the power of community. Yesterday was not just about ushering in a new year, it was about honoring the past, celebrating the present, and sharing hope for the future. As the sun set over Ogedege N’Okao and the last notes of music faded into the night, the guests left with full bellies and fuller hearts. The house, once again, stood proud, not just as a monument to history but as a space where joy, connection, and tradition continue to thrive.
For those who were there, it was a day they wouldn’t soon forget
. And for those who weren’t, they missed more than a party, they missed the kind of gathering that makes you feel alive, where the new year begins not just with celebration, but with love and belonging.
~TINYAN OTUOMAGIE
