The Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Ovie Macaulay Popo Ovbagbedia, JP, Uhurhie-Osadjere II, has passed away, plunging the Ancient Olomu Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State into mourning.
The announcement of the monarch’s passing was formally made at the royal palace in Ovwor-Olomu by the Otota (traditional spokesperson) of the kingdom, Olorogun Albert Akpomudje (SAN), in the presence of members of the Olomu Traditional Council of Chiefs and the royal family.
Traditional rites followed the announcement, including a ceremonial performance by Ema dancers and the firing of 21 cannon shots to honor the monarch’s transition to the ancestral realm.
As dictated by Olomu customs, a one-month mourning period has been declared, from July 12 to August 12, 2025. During this period, all markets will remain closed, and all burial and marriage ceremonies are suspended. Shops may open but are restricted to limited transactions.
Additionally, all chiefs of the Olomu Kingdom are mandated to wear black armbands on their left arms and are forbidden from donning the traditional red Olomu Chieftaincy cap throughout the mourning period.
A five-minute silence was observed to honor the memory of the late king, who ascended the throne on May 20, 2023.