Ogba Kingdom In Festive Mood …As Umu Akoku Proclaims Yam Festival

The Egi Kingdom and by
extension the entire Ogbaland in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State is now in   a festive mood following the proclamation of the 2015 Egwu Ogba Festival.
In line with the tradition of the people, the proclamation was performed by a member of Umu Akoku family Aburu community Erema, Elder Felix Obulor.
The festival was fixed for 17th August 2015, prior to the proclamation, Elder Felix Obulor told The Tide that the festival is as old as Egi and the entire ogbaland.
He said that the festival was introduced by ancient people to celebrate the harvest of new yams in the entire ogbaland.
Elder Obulor said that the Umu Akoku family was charged with the responsibility of proclaiming the festival being the most senior family in Egiland, adding that at the ceremony, the family will be feeding the entire Egi communities.
He described as exorbitant the cost of hosting the ceremony, stressing that for last year, over five hundred thousand naira was spent by the family to host the proclamation ceremony, while for this year, the amount was however reduced. Elder Obulor commended the management of Total Nigeria Limited for its support so far, but urged the company to increase its financial support from the current amount of one hundred thousand naira to something substantial.
Speaking during the proclamation ceremony, Elder Obulor decried the rising level of youth restiveness in Egiland and stressed the need for the people to use the Egwu Ogba as an opportunity to reflect on their history as one people with a common destiny.
According to him, the Egwu Ogba should be used as a tool for reconciliation across the various segments of Egiland, while those aggrieved should cultivate the spirit of forgiveness.
Also speaking, the chairman of Egi Council of Chiefs High Chief S.O. Orikoha who highlighted the history of the migration of Ogba and Ekpeye people from the ancient Benin Kingdom said that the Egi people should see themselves as one people.
He warned those perpetrating violence in Egiland to have a rethink as their ancestors will not forgive them.
The ceremony which took place at the Ereme Town Square was attended by traditional rulers and titled citizens of Egiland.
Prominent among the traditional rulers are the Eze Egi Etiti, HRH, Eze London Nwaobiyebe, Eze Ahiahu, HRH, Ikeagu Akoku, High Chief S.O Orikoha, Chairman  Egi Council of Chiefs, High Chief M.A. Ebidi, Eze Ahia Orie, Chief S.O. Jacob Secretary, Council of Chiefs, amongst others.
Also present were members of the Amala cultural group, the Umu Akoku women group and the Egi council of juju priests amongst others. A minute silence was observed in honour of the departed Eze Egi, HRM, Eze Kingdom Elenwa.