Chief Maurice Odigie Aigbogun: Ogun-gbengben of Igueben
Chief Odigie in 2018
Son of Prince Aigbogun Omeike and Imanlukhor, Odigie was born in 1943, in Igueben, Mid West (Now Edo) State of Nigeria, he attended St Joseph’s Catholic School in Igueben. This primary school had been set up by the catholic missionaries to educate all local children.
Early Years
Odigie was a younger son of Prince Aigbogun's from his second wife. He enjoyed working the Okwe, fire forge blower, for his father than going to farms. During the day he worked hard at this and in the evenings he joined scholars studying their school work.
Prince Aigbogun his father had not wanted him to go to school because he wanted him to help in the workshop on producing items like cutlasses and dame guns which were lucrative items.
One day in 1950 Benin Palace Chiefs arrived from Benin Palace with 7 Ebens and Adas for restoration work. Due to the delicacy and attention to fine details that had to be paid to the works, they had to return several weeks later for collection. The first time they arrived only 4 out of 7 were ready. The only option was to return for the remaining 3 at a future date. Several weeks later they picked up the remaining 3 Ebens and Adas. Oba Akenzua 11 was so impressed with the restoration work, they were simply a marvel that he conferred the title of Osangue on Prince Aigbogun to be given to him on the Benin Chiefs' next visit to Igueben. Prince Aigbogun who already had a Chieftain title asked the chiefs if his son who helped him with the Okwe fireworks during the restoration work could inherit it after him. Only the Oba could authorise this. Hearing from the chiefs the Oba agreed and authorised that his son could inherit the title after him.
In spite of this title Odigie's mother Imanlukhor was opposed to her son not attending school so she took the matter before the community elders who agreed that Odigie would produce better cutlasses and dame guns with knowledge, skills and understanding he would gain from school. And so, it was decided that he should go to school immediately and help his father in the evenings and during the holidays.
When Odigie arrived at school he was too big to start in Class 1 so the teachers tested him to find out what he could read, write and sum up. As he had been self studying at home all these years he performed well and they placed him in Class 4 . Therefore Odigie went to primary school late joining in Class 4. After primary school he went to teacher training for 2 years after which he qualified to teach secondary school students.
Career
Odigie became an assistant primary school teacher in Igueben at the age of 14 in a Catholic School. His salary was paid straight from Rome. At the age of 15 he became a primary school teacher.
When he was 20 years old his senior brother Patrick moved to Lagos to work for the Police Force. Odigie relocated to Lagos with his brother. In Lagos he studied for higher level qualifications. With his higher-level certificate he was able to obtain a job in the Central Bank of Nigeria. He rose up the ranks to become a senior manager at the Benin branch. He retired at the age of 60 to spend more time with his family.
© Igueben Notables 2009
Early Years
Odigie was a younger son of Prince Aigbogun's from his second wife. He enjoyed working the Okwe, fire forge blower, for his father than going to farms. During the day he worked hard at this and in the evenings he joined scholars studying their school work.
Prince Aigbogun his father had not wanted him to go to school because he wanted him to help in the workshop on producing items like cutlasses and dame guns which were lucrative items.
One day in 1950 Benin Palace Chiefs arrived from Benin Palace with 7 Ebens and Adas for restoration work. Due to the delicacy and attention to fine details that had to be paid to the works, they had to return several weeks later for collection. The first time they arrived only 4 out of 7 were ready. The only option was to return for the remaining 3 at a future date. Several weeks later they picked up the remaining 3 Ebens and Adas. Oba Akenzua 11 was so impressed with the restoration work, they were simply a marvel that he conferred the title of Osangue on Prince Aigbogun to be given to him on the Benin Chiefs' next visit to Igueben. Prince Aigbogun who already had a Chieftain title asked the chiefs if his son who helped him with the Okwe fireworks during the restoration work could inherit it after him. Only the Oba could authorise this. Hearing from the chiefs the Oba agreed and authorised that his son could inherit the title after him.
In spite of this title Odigie's mother Imanlukhor was opposed to her son not attending school so she took the matter before the community elders who agreed that Odigie would produce better cutlasses and dame guns with knowledge, skills and understanding he would gain from school. And so, it was decided that he should go to school immediately and help his father in the evenings and during the holidays.
When Odigie arrived at school he was too big to start in Class 1 so the teachers tested him to find out what he could read, write and sum up. As he had been self studying at home all these years he performed well and they placed him in Class 4 . Therefore Odigie went to primary school late joining in Class 4. After primary school he went to teacher training for 2 years after which he qualified to teach secondary school students.
Career
Odigie became an assistant primary school teacher in Igueben at the age of 14 in a Catholic School. His salary was paid straight from Rome. At the age of 15 he became a primary school teacher.
When he was 20 years old his senior brother Patrick moved to Lagos to work for the Police Force. Odigie relocated to Lagos with his brother. In Lagos he studied for higher level qualifications. With his higher-level certificate he was able to obtain a job in the Central Bank of Nigeria. He rose up the ranks to become a senior manager at the Benin branch. He retired at the age of 60 to spend more time with his family.
© Igueben Notables 2009
Odigie died on 11 September 2021.
An Eulogy by Charles Omonkhua Aigbogun (Son)
Goodbye Dad -Sir Chief M. O. Aigbogun (KSM IV)
With pains in my heart, I announce the exit of my mentor, confidant, and best friend. A father not just to his children but his entire village.
Daddy, there was no amount of money you had that was too small for you to share, there was no one you did not show sentiment, there was not a place too far for you to go represent family, there was also not a time you exchanged harsh words with anybody. Your legacy is enormous.
In these past few days, I have heard word of consolation but frankly those words I have heard before many I have even said to people in their time of loss, I only just came to the realization that no amount of words truly consoles. My heart will bleed forever.
With your absence, I feel like a kid lost in the middle of nowhere.
To those who have lit candles and booked masses on his behalf I say thank you as that was all Daddy requested of us. To friends and family who bear this pain with us please be strong and remember to say a prayer for the soul of our father.
© Igueben Notables 2021