Culture  

Idumuje-Ugboko’s Ogbanigbe festival revives heritage, electrifies community

By Odita Sunday

27 September 2024   |   5:47 pm

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on WhatsApp Share on Telegram

The ancient town of Idumuje-Ugboko, in Aniocha North Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State, came alive again with vibrant colours, traditional rhythmic sounds, and joyful celebrations as the community marked its highly anticipated New Yam Festival, popularly called 'Ogbanigbe.' The annual event brought together sons and daughters of the community, both at home and…

The ancient town of Idumuje-Ugboko, in Aniocha North Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State, came alive again with vibrant colours, traditional rhythmic sounds, and joyful celebrations as the community marked its highly anticipated New Yam Festival, popularly called ‘Ogbanigbe.’

The annual event brought together sons and daughters of the community, both at home and in the diaspora, as they converged to celebrate their highly cherished ancient New Yam Festival culture.

The iconic festival was hosted by His Royal Majesty, Obi Chukwunomso Justin Nwoko IV, Obi of Idumuje-Ugboko.

The 2024 edition proved to be more glamorous and well-attended due to the ingenuity of some renowned indigenes, including Engineer Igwe Enuoyibo, who deployed resources to ensure that some members of the Idumuje-Ugboko Development Union (IDU) were transported free of charge to their native home.

The Ugboko Kingdom is largely touted as ‘the land of Glory.’

The festival, which attracted dignitaries, elders, and youths from across the community and other nearby communities, including Issele-Uku, was a celebration of the harvest season and the blessings of the land. The event kicked off on September 18 with a gunshot from the palace, signifying the beginning of the harvest season celebration.

There was a grand procession and traditional ‘Ina Aka’ ceremony on September 21, led by the Obi of Idumuje-Ugboko, accompanied by his chiefs, which marked the end of the Ogbanigbe.

Idumuje-Ugboko is an agrarian community in Aniocha North Local Government Area, sharing boundaries with Ewohimi in Edo State, Onicha-Ugbo, Aniofu community, Idumuje-Unor, among others.

READ ALSO: Idumuje-Ugboko: Crown Prince Refutes Publication

The New Yam Festival also provided an opportunity for brotherhood, strengthening bonds, and reaffirming cultural identity.

As one of the prominent sons of the town and an eminent civil engineer, Igwe Enuoyibo said: “This festival reminds us of our roots and the importance of preserving our traditions. We are grateful to Almighty God for keeping us alive to see another harvest season.”

As the celebrations ended, indigenes are anticipating another bountiful harvest season next year.