The Association of Ebonyi Indigenes Socio-Cultural in the Diaspora (AEISCID) has accused a group operating under the banner of Ezza Elites of politicising the age-long cultural traditions of the Ezza-Ezekuna people by allegedly organising an unauthorised celebration of the Okeaku (New Yam) Festival.

In a statement issued on Friday, AEISCID expressed displeasure over what it described as an attempt to undermine the traditional process for fixing the date of the annual festival, which marks the beginning of a new calendar year for the Ezza-Ezekuna nation.

The association said it was concerned that, instead of adhering to established cultural protocols, members of the group allegedly gathered at Okpoku Ezekuna (Nchionu) ancestral ground on June 30 to celebrate the Okeaku Festival without the approval or guidance of the traditional custodians of Ezza culture.

According to AEISCID, the gathering was not only unprecedented but also heavily influenced by politics.
It argued that participants, many of whom occupy prominent positions in society, ought to have respected the established customs governing the celebration of the New Yam Festival.

While acknowledging the constitutional rights of the group to freedom of association and peaceful assembly, AEISCID insisted that describing the gathering as the official Okeaku Festival amounted to a distortion of Ezza cultural heritage.

The association described the event as an embarrassment to the traditions and values of the Ezza people and urged the organisers to issue a public apology to the Ezza-Ezekuna nation within 48 hours.

It also called on the group to undertake not to repeat what it described as an attempt to exploit cultural institutions for political or personal interests.

AEISCID reminded members of the Ezza nation of the popular saying, “Ezza jikotara onu, ndu lanu, olu lanu,” which it said symbolises the unity and collective strength of the people despite their diversity.

The association urged Ezza sons and daughters to disregard the June 30 gathering, describing those behind it as political actors seeking to advance personal interests at the expense of the community’s cultural heritage.

It further advised the Ezza Elites to exercise restraint in future activities, warning that actions capable of undermining the people’s traditions could have cultural, political and moral consequences.

AEISCID called on Ezza-Ezekuna people across the world to remain calm, united and committed to preserving their customs and traditions.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the cultural heritage of the Ezza nation and urged all stakeholders to continue promoting peace, unity and mutual respect among the people.