The Millennium King
HRM King Bourdillon Allen Ekine Oko (Oko XXVIII) is the Amayanabo of Kula Kingdom, the Head of the King Oko Royal House, and the owner of Belema Community and Opu-Kula Community. He is a direct descendant of Opukulabe, the founder of the Kingdom.
He was duly selected by the Royal Family and presented to the community in accordance with tradition. His coronation took place between February 5th and 12th, 2000, making him the "Millennium King."
The 9-Day Coronation Process
The making of a Kula King is a rigorous spiritual process. The Amayanabo-elect enters the fattening room for seven days:
- Day 1: The King-elect goes round the Town square 21 times, presenting gin to men and women, before proceeding to Amaogonoju to be presented to the deity, Fenibeso.
- Day 2: Rubbing of the red chalk (Awu) by old women past menopause.
- Day 3: The Enye-Pele ceremony — shaving the front of the head after placing seven seeds of alligator pepper.
- Day 4: Writing of indigo (Buruma Ki) all over the body.
- Day 5: Washing of hands with the blood of a goat (handled by the Opusinya family).
- Day 6: Dukwo-Po/Toru-Oki — swimming across the Kula River to demonstrate acceptance by the water gods.
- Day 7: Pouring of libation at the different shrines.
- Day 8: The crowning proper — decorated with the Ogborigbo crown, the Oko Inkpara staff, and the Ikaki Pakiri cloth.
- Day 9: Thanksgiving service in all the churches in Kula.
"Only the Oko Royal Family produce the King of Kula. The history of the Kingdom makes the point very clear for all to see."
Why Chief Kroma Eleki Cannot Be King
According to the King, Chief Kroma Eleki's ancestry can be traced to Engene. His progenitor, Esara, was a fugitive who ran to Kula for protection. Esara was neither a chief nor a king. Chief Eleki did not undergo the kingship rites of Kula; he did not cut the head of a goat, wash his hands with blood, or go through the fattening room. He ran to Bille to perform rituals, which has nothing to do with Kula kingship.