BY CHIKA KWAMBA
ISSELE-UKU Community in Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State, has celebrated its Ine festival in pomp and pageantry, connecting the people to its roots, and cultural heritage.
This marks the celebration of the New Yam festival, which depicts the beginning of a new era, following the precedent and history of the festival, which attracted sons and daughters of the soil, far and near, to observe the rich culture and tradition of the land.
Addressing newsmen at the Palace shortly before the celebration, the Obi of Issele-Uku Kingdom, His Royal Majesty (HRM) Agbogidi Obi Nduka, noted that the annual Ine festival showcased unity, identity, history, and the rich culture of the people of Issele-Uku Kingdom that was passed down from generation to generation.
He said, “The Ine festival is to demonstrate our unity, and cultural heritage of the people of Issele-Uku kingdom that has been passed down to generations, and we are delighted to participate in this event.
“The Ine festival showcases our cultural identity, heritage, and history. The first call is that everyone who is an indigene of the Issele-Uku kingdom participated in the Ine festival: the old generations, young generations, and that means from time to time our customs are passed and preserved.
“It is customary for me to perform the annual festival, but in terms of leadership, I am happy to see that people of Issele-Uku are happy, participating in the festival that I am proud of. It means that everybody’s ideas have been permitted throughout the entire fabric of the Issele-Uku kingdom. This is a pointer that the festival was inclusive.
In the same vein, the Iyase of Issele-Uku Kingdom, Chief Innocent Ashiedu, gave a historical background of the Ine festival. In his words “The traditional festival is usually held in September, with a special day, mostly on Eke market day(Saturday).
“As the Iyase, it is my responsibility to maintain peace in the community and settle disputes. The line festival has been on ever since I was born; it’s our custom to preserve it, modernize it, and keep it going.
“With our new king, a lot has been revived. In the past, there were cultural activities that were dormant, but now, we have them back. For instance, the wrestling game “Ogbaototu” was dropped, but now it has been brought back, thanks to our Obi.
Similarly, Omeogor 1, of Oligbo Kingdom, Chief Innocent Nwakpati showered prayers and blessings on the land.
He said, “Going forward, this is a new era for the people of Issele-Uku Kingdom which means no more evil.
“We have had several kidnappings and other unpleasant acts, but with this Ine festival, anything that will happen from now henceforth will be for good. At one time, I thought people would not visit Issele-Uku, but now our community is a place of peace and blessings to many.
Other highlights included: cultural dance, paying homage to the monarch by chiefs, lavish traditional costumes, assorted refreshments, and traditional rites.
