Coronation of King Gbadéwolou Oshoukpa Amouroro I, Anwa of Alagbe Border Town The coronation of King Gbadéwolou Oshoukpa Amouroro I, Anwa of Alagbe Town, opens a new chapter in the history of the border town

 Coronation of King Gbadéwolou Oshoukpa Amouroro I, Anwa of Alagbe  Border Town

 The coronation of King Gbadéwolou Oshoukpa Amouroro I, Anwa of Alagbe Town, opens a new chapter in the history of the border town

A major chapter in the history of Alagbé Border has just been written with the coronation of Ogourindé Iroko Joseph, now enthroned as Obà Gbadewolou Oshoukpa Amouroro I, Anwa of Alagbe Town.

The ceremony, marked by the official presentation of the letter of appointment and mandate to the new ruler, culminates a long process of recognizing the traditional chieftaincy of this historic town located on the border between Benin and Nigeria.

Alagbé Border: A town at the heart of cross-border trade

Founded around 1835 by descendants of Oshoukpa, Inan-Idja, and Ogoudou—who hailed from Illikimoun—Alagbé Border is situated between Ilara and Illikimoun. Its geographical location gives the town a strategic role in relations and trade between the two countries.

Since the 1990s, it has hosted immigration and customs services—notably on the Nigerian side—underscoring its importance in cross-border movement.

Much like the joint border posts at Idiroko–Igolo (in Ifangni) or Sèmè-Kraké, Alagbé could have benefited from similar infrastructure on the Beninese side. However, rivalries between certain communities and neighboring localities over the years prevented this project from materializing.

A long struggle for royal recognition

This situation also impacted the official recognition of the traditional chieftaincy of Alagbé, championed by the prominent royal families of Oshoukpa, Ogoudou, and Ina-Idja. Consequently, several *Baale*—traditional local chiefs—exercised authority without the benefit of an official coronation, despite repeated efforts by the sons and daughters of Alagbé.

The coronation of Obà Gbadewolou Oshoukpa Amouroro I thus brings an end to a long period of waiting and community mobilization.

Upon receiving his letter of appointment and mandate from the representative for Cultural Affairs and Royal Matters for the Governor of Ogun State, Nigeria, the new sovereign first gave thanks to God and the ancestors before expressing his gratitude to the Nigerian authorities who supported the process. He notably acknowledged the Governor of Ogun State and the Paramount Ruler of Ilaro for their support and availability.

The new king also extended his thanks to the kings of Imeko, Ilara, and Idofa, as well as those of Illikimoun, Idigny, and Kétou, whose facilitation and guidance—in his view played a decisive role in the successful conclusion of the process.

Peace and cooperation at the heart of the reign

In his first message as an officially crowned sovereign, Obà Gbadéwolou Oshoukpa Amouroro I pledged to center his reign on peace, unity, development, and fraternity. He expressed his commitment to strengthening relations between the various communities and promoting good neighborly ties between the populations of Benin and Nigeria. The new king also paid a moving tribute to the sons of Alagbé who passed away during the long process leading up to this coronation. He commended their commitment and sacrifice, noting that their memory would remain inextricably linked to this significant milestone in the community's history.

Concluding his remarks, the sovereign paid tribute to the sons and daughters of Alagbé, whose determination and perseverance made this achievement possible. He also expressed his gratitude to the donors and various partners who contributed to the realization of the event.

A New Chapter for the Border Town

Beyond its traditional significance, the coronation of Obà Gbadewolou Oshoukpa Amouroro I—the Anwa of Alagbe Town—marks a pivotal moment for this border town. It ushers in a new chapter in its history, driven by the stated ambition of using the institution of kingship as a vehicle for social cohesion, local development, and the strengthening of cross-border cooperation between Benin and Nigeria

<< Opinion Plurielle>>  news's paper from Benin republic 

Partager cet article :