It was an atmosphere of conviviality, pomp and pageantry as the descendants of HRH Otaru Oshiogbele Momoh Idaevho (Momoh I) came together to celebrate him through the launching of the Momoh Royal Family emblem, a website and other family mementos.

The day of the event was Friday 8^th of July 2022; it was not like any other day. It was Arafat day, the 2^nd day of the Hajj pilgrimage, the day of repentance and acceptance of supplications!  It occurs some 70 days after Ramadan and is of significance in the Islamic calendar. The day was observed by the Muslim faithfuls in Auchi Sacred Kingdom, whose foundation is anchored on Islam. A center figure in anchoring this foundation is the progenitor of the Momoh Royal Family of Auchi Sacred Kingdom, HRH Otaru Oshiogbele Momoh Idaevho who led Auchi from 1919 to 1944 as the 6^th King. His own father, Idaevho, had led Auchi as the 3^rd Otaru until 1905.

Momoh’s descendants therefore came in their numbers to Auchi to be part of the event. Momoh himself had 65 wives and more than 250 children in direct birth, having one of the largest families in history then. Today, more than 2,300 descendants up to 5 generations have been enumerated. One of the nuclei of the Momoh Royal Family is the camaraderie which has bonded members of the family over 100 years! It was therefore no surprise that family members turned up in their numbers.

About two hours after the observance of the Friday’s Jumat prayers, the Momoh family members began to arrive for the event. They exchanged pleasantries as they awaited the arrival of HRH Otaru Aliru H. Momoh, Ikelebe III (the Otaru of Auchi Sacred Kingdom). The event covered about 3 hours, and had in attendance the Otaru of Auchi Sacred Kingdom, HRH Otaru Aliru H. Momoh, Ikelebe III; the eldest Momoh descendant alive (Pa Shaka Vigor Momoh), a subset of titled men in the Kingdom who are members of the Momoh Royal Family, including Prince Mohammed Momoh (Oshioze of Auchi Sacred Kingdom and Prince Shaka Momoh (Okhaimo of Auchi Sacred Kingdom). Other attendees include Professor Z.I. Oseni (Professor of Arabic Studies and the Waziri/Chief Imam of Auchi Sacred Kingdom), Prince AbdulRasheed Tony Momoh, Princess Otse Momoh-Omorogbe, Princess Azarat A.B.C. Momoh-Nagoyo, Engineer AbdulAzeez Mega Momoh, Prince Tajudeen M.S. Momoh, Prince AbdulRaheem Shioke Momoh and Princess Aisha Ismail-Olokun (née Momoh) among others.

The event began with a presentation of “the Momoh Project”, including a continuous census exercise to enumerate all the descendants of HRH Otaru Oshiogbele Momoh Idaevho from the first filial generaion; an emblem for the Momoh Royal Family, a family website, a Momoh Business Unit and the Momoh Idaevho Foundation to honour the legacies of the progenitor of the Momoh Royal Family. The highlight of the event was the launching/unveiling of the family insignia, website and branded items which are to be owned by family members as a reminder of the rich legacies of Otaru Oshiogbele Momoh Idaevho and the heritage he bequeathed not only to the family, but to the community and nation at large. The unveiling was done by HRH Otaru Aliru H. Momoh, Ikelebe III assisted by senior members of the family. Thereafter, family members present examined with joy some of the branded items on display.

Professor Z.I. Oseni gave a historical underpinning to the emblem, explaining how it captured the essence of the progenitor of the Momoh Royal Family. He especially commended the slogan of the family “Oshiogbelemha”, meaning “God is with us!”