Is it ok to have taken ovral (ethinyl estradiol and norgestrel) l for long periods of time?

Yes: Yes, as long as you don't smoke and don't have any serious heart or blood vessels problems or severe migraines. There are many benefits to long term birth control pill use, including decreased risk of ovarian and uterine cancer, benign ovarian cysts, heavy periods. Overall it is better for your health to be on birth control pills than not to be on them.