Chief Sally Young: The King of Urhobo Highlife Music

By Ochuko Tonukari

As I was sitting in the velvety  coolness of my room some few days ago, pen and paper in hand, trying to finish my story and chewing the end of my pen as I suppose you often do when you are writing essay, a most fascinating incidence that took place the week before caught my fancy.  As a freelance journalist, I must confess that it was an intriguing incidence that brought in its wake many challenges such as the financial wherewithal to accomplish it. The timeframe too was extemporaneous as it coincided with other major activities like my job. But it was altogether worthwhile.

Remembering late Chief Edward Gbagbeke Sido: The Otota of Udu Kingdom

Ochuko Tonukari

To live in the age of giants and tower above them is indeed a claim to greatness: one that seldom bedecks the history of mankind.

The late Chief Edward Gbagbeke Sido, the Otota of Udu Kingdom was among those who were specially favoured from birth. Some people, as often said, in life achieve greatness through hard work; some have it bestowed on them, while some others are simply born great.

Sido, who bade the world final farewell on Thursday April 4, 2006, was incontrovertibly a rare combination of aristocracy and intellectual prowess.

Chief Omokomoko Osokpa: The Pioneer of Urhobo contemporary Music

By Ochuko Tonukari

I grew up at a time when significant aspects of Urhobo culture were at the brink of extinction. Even so, there was a burning desire in me to find out about Urhobo worldview on certain issues which have become victim of western imperialism.  There and then, I became preoccupied with listening to people who were regarded as cognoscenti of Urhobo history and culture. Many a time I would ask series of questions and wonder about some aspects of Urhobo religion which usually have mysterious undertones.